Naby Keita has returned to Liverpool training after recovering from a hamstring injury.
The Guinean midfielder has not featured since the Community Shield victory over Manchester City in July.
The Reds have a tough period of seven games in 21 days, beginning with Saturday's trip to Nottingham Forest, so the midfielder's return is a boost for Jurgen Klopp.
The former RB Leipzig man has missed a total of 72 games in four full seasons with ankle, groin and hamstring issues limiting his appearances.
Less than a year remains on the 27-year old's contract, and he has stalled on a new deal so far, seeking assurances over playing time.
Liverpool's midfield options right now are Fabinho, Thiago Alcantara, Jordan Henderson, Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Keita, with Arthur Melo sidelined until the new year.
Some fans have been asking for additions in the midfield department, so Keita's demands might not be met, leaving him free to negotiate an Anfield exit if he does not get the minutes he feels his quality warrants. body check tags ::
