---
title: "Virals: Liverpool handed double fitness boost ahead of EPL clash"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/news/virals-liverpool-handed-double-fitness-boost-ahead-of-epl-clash/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Dan Clubbe"
section: "Liverpool News"
published: "2021-10-29T07:20:00Z"
modified: "2021-10-29T07:20:00Z"
---

# Virals: Liverpool handed double fitness boost ahead of EPL clash

[Liverpool](https://readliverpoolfc.com/2021/10/28/alan-hutton-labels-ibrahima-konate-as-brilliant-following-weekend-outing/) manager Jurgen Klopp has been handed a double fitness boost ahead of the Premier League encounter with Brighton & Hove Albion.

The Reds are set to welcome the [high flying Seagulls](https://www.premierleague.com/tables) to Anfield on Saturday afternoon and will be hoping to keep pace with their early title rivals at least.

Both Chelsea and Manchester City [kick-off at the same time](https://www.premierleague.com/news/2171434) as Klopp’s side and eyes will no doubt be on scores from around the country.

Ahead of the Anfield showdown, Klopp’s selection dilemma has been enhanced as midfield duo Thiago and Naby Keita both [took part in full training](https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/447691-photo-gallery-liverpool-in-training-ahead-of-brighton-clash) on Thursday.

> Great to have you back in the rondos, [@Thiago6](https://twitter.com/Thiago6?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) 👀
>
> — Liverpool FC (@LFC) [October 28, 2021](https://twitter.com/LFC/status/1453781352042672128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

Keita had been a doubt having been stretched off at Old Trafford last weekend whilst Thiago had [missed eight games](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/thiago/leistungsdaten/spieler/60444) with a calf problem.

Elsewhere, there was no Fabinho in training as the Brazilian continues to recover from a [knock to the knee](https://theathletic.com/news/klopp-drops-mane-and-matip-for-man-united-vs-liverpool-as-fabinho-out-injured/suFZEUFdOJtY/).

James Milner and [Harvey Elliott were also absent](https://www.instagram.com/harveyelliott07/) with longer-term injuries.

### READ LIVERPOOL VERDICT

Returning midfield options is a timely lift to the Liverpool ranks.

Having lost Milner and Fabinho, Klopp was hovering [dangerously close](https://www.liverpoolfc.com/team/first-team) to the bare bones.

Now, the German manager will likely have to decide who plays alongside Jordan Henderson.

Curtis Jones, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and [Keita](https://readliverpoolfc.com/2021/10/26/pundit-believes-naby-keita-can-fill-squad-void-at-liverpool/) are the leading candidates, as Thiago will need more time in training before being considered.