Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp have been handed a massive personnel boost ahead of their season showpiece against Real Madrid in Paris this weekend as both Thiago and Fabinho have been included in the travelling squad.
Thiago limped at half time on the final day of the season, and there were concerns that it could be an achilles problem that would keep him out for longer than a week. Meanwhile, Fabinho was forced off in their 2-1 over Aston Villa, and missed the final two games of the season.
However, both were pictured in training days before the final, and now the club have confirmed that both will be travelling to Paris, though whether they are fit enough to start is another matter.
Thiago and Fabinho will be included in our travelling squad for the #UCLfinal against Real Madrid.
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) May 27, 2022
A statement read: ‘The pair will be among the players journeying to Paris for Saturday’s clash at Stade de France following injury concerns and are set to come into contention to return.
Thiago has resumed training after being forced from the pitch with a muscle issue in the first half of the Reds’ 3-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers last Sunday.
Fabinho, meanwhile, has not featured since sustaining a muscular problem at Aston Villa on May 10.’
How important are they?
Both players would certainly be named in Jurgen Klopp’s strongest side, and are perhaps two areas where direct replacements are not available. Thiago offers brilliant ability on the ball and vision, to a level that no one else in the Liverpool midfield can provide.
The Spaniard has appeared 38 times for Klopp’s side this season, ending on the losing side just twice.
Meanwhile, Fabinho remains one of the best defensive midfielders in world football, and Liverpool’s links with Aurelian Tchouameni this summer suggests a recognition that they have not got an effective backup for the Brazilian in the squad.
The pair’s return would be a massive boost in Paris.
