Jurgen Klopp has been offered brighter news, amid Liverpool’s injury crisis as they head into a pivotal showdown at the weekend.
The Reds boss has been struggling with a series of problems both before and during the international break, which delivered fresh problems for the Anfield club.
Jordan Henderson, Andy Robertson, Sadio Mane and Divock Origi all suffered fresh problems while playing for their countries, to add to an injury list which already included Roberto Firmino, Naby Keita, Curtis Jones, James Milner, Harvey Elliott and Joe Gomez.
But Henderson joined in with parts of team training on Wednesday, and now Klopp is hopeful his captain and influential midfielder will be given the all clear for Saturday’s visit of Arsenal.
After their first defeat of the season at West Ham before the international break, Liverpool go into the game with the Gunners knowing that defeat would condemn them to a position outside the top four for the first time this season, and some distance from leaders Chelsea.
Can Liverpool end Arsenal's unbeaten run on Saturday? Let us know in the comments below!
Without so many midfielders, Klopp wants his skipper back as soon as possible, and it is thought his problem is not serious, after he returned early from England duty.
Robertson’s problem is also now thought not to be as serious as first feared, as no tear was detected, after the defender suffered a problem with his hamstring playing for Scotland.
He is unlikely to be risked against Arsenal though, and could also be rested for the Champions League tie against Porto, given it is a dead rubber with the Reds already qualified for the knock out.
Milner has returned to the training ground, but has yet to join in with the team, and so is still a week or two away, while Firmino and Gomez are also yet to return to full training.
Jones has an eye problem which doctors say needs “several weeks” to heal naturally, but Mane is fit and training again, while Origi is likely to return against Porto, and Elliott is back running on grass as the first part of his return.
Who should Liverpool sign in January? Have your say!
Arsenal, meanwhile, have their own injury concerns ahead of the game. Manager Mikel Arteta is sweating on the fitness of captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
The striker missed Gabon's World Cup qualifier against Egypt on Tuesday after picking up a calf strain against Libya four days earlier.
Fellow Arsenal stars Folarin Balogun and Sead Kolasinac have also suffered injuries during the international break.
