Virgil van Dijk is looking sharp and ready for pre-season - as he trains with young Liverpool goalkeeper Marcelo Pitaluga.
The Brazilian posted a photo on social media, captioned 'Off Season', which showed the centre-back running alongside him as the two trained together.
Van Dijk seemed to have taken a big step forward in his recovery as he teased his return ahead of the Reds' pre-season training.
The Dutchman has been sidelined since picking up an ACL injury during the Merseyside derby last October and was forced to sit out on the Netherland's Euro 2020 campaign.
However, the centre-back is on track to join the squad as he trains with Pitaluga in preparation for the 2021/2022 season.
The pair have been in the Algarve, joined by teammate Joe Gomez and a handful of Reds staff, including head of fitness and conditioning Andreas Kornmayer, as they prepare for pre-season training to begin on Monday, July 12.
Kornmayer has been overseeing the rehabilitation of the three players who all saw their 2020/2021 season cut short due to long-term injuries.
Van Dijk shared his hope of making his competitive playing return when Liverpool travel to Norwich City on the opening day of the Premier League season on Saturday 14 August with fans earlier this week.
The 29-year-old posted a video to his social medial channels, captioned 'Pre-season ready' which showed him him running around and kicking a ball out on the grass.
In the minute-long video, he said: "To think about next season with fans, myself be playing again.
"Hopefully getting success with club and county, you know it's something to be excited about."
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Pitaluga signed for Liverpool from Fluminense for £1million last year and impressed for the Under 23s but picked up an injury in February.
Van Dijk isn't the first big Liverpool name to train with the wonderkid.
Fellow Brazilian and goalkeeper Alisson was pictured training with his brother Muriel and Pitaluga when he returned home last year.
