Liverpool midfielders Adam Lallana and Georginio Wijnaldum are still fighting it out to be fit in time for the big derby match against Manchester United on Monday, but Jurgen Klopp will be happy to see two of his defenders return to training.
Dejan Lovren and Nathaniel Clyne missed the matches for their respective countries during this international week, owing to minor injuries. Clyne was not a part of the England squad that beat Malta and drew with Slovenia, while Lovren could not feature for Croatia after picking up a problem in Liverpool's Premier League match against Swansea City.
With nearly two weeks to recover, both players have taken the time off from football to make sure they will be ready in time to take their places in the starting XI, if Klopp decides to, against Manchester United.
However, while Clyne and Lovren returned to training, Lallana and Wijnaldum were not present in Wednesday. Lallana also pulled out of the England squad after he was forced off with a groin injury during the game against Swansea.
Liverpool medics have worked overtime to try and get Lallana, one of the team's best players this season, ready in time for the Manchester United time, and the fact that this big match is only on Monday night does give the attacking midfielder a chance.
Wijnaldum's injury, however, came during Netherlands' defeat to France in a World Cup qualifier in Amsterdam on Monday. So, unless the injury is minor, it is unlikely that the former Newcastle midfielder will take his place in the starting XI.
It would be a big miss for Liverpool too, because Wijnaldum has been an everpresent in this Liverpool team this season, after signing from the Magpies in the summer.
The good thing for Klopp is that he has the option of giving Emre Can his first start of the Premier League season after his own injury problems have been overcome, and the Germany midfielder will be a solid replacement for the Holland international.
Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino will only arrive on Thursday after their international commitments with Brazil and Klopp will hope both his attackers return with no issues.
Having made a strong start to the season, which has seen Liverpool pick up five wins from seven matches, Klopp will be wary of losing momentum by dropping points against their biggest rivals. So, getting the strongest team ready will be paramount.
