Boost for Jurgen Klopp as injured Liverpool player back far sooner than expected

Liverpool have been given a boost as midfielder Arthur Melo is expected to be back from injury earlier than previously anticipated.

Jurgen Klopp’s side had endured a torrid start to the Premier League season. The Reds sit sixth in the Premier League table, seven points from Tottenham Hotspur in the final Champions League spot, and some 15 points adrift of Arsenal at the summit.

While some Liverpool players have suffered a dip in form, including battling central midfielder Fabinho, a large proportion of the squad has been out injured at various points this term.

In midfield in particular Liverpool have been without Thiago Alcantara, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita. In turn youngsters, Harvey Elliott and Fabio Carvalho have deputised in their absence.

However, Liverpool have been boosted by a rare piece of positive fitness news.

Arthur to return?

Arthur’s agents have suggested the Brazilian could return from injury sooner than expected.

The 26-year-old, who arrived on loan from Juventus on transfer deadline day, has played just 13 minutes for the Reds having sustained an injury just weeks after making the move to Merseyside.

In September the player sustained an injury in training that required surgery, with reports at the time claiming he could be sidelined for up to four months. A return would therefore be expected by the end of January.

However, Arthur’s agents, Federico and Andrea Pastorello, have suggested that the player could return from injury sooner than expected.

Speaking to TuttoMercatoWeb, they said: “He is a determined boy and proof of this is the fact that he is forging ahead to get back on the pitch, he is three weeks ahead of his schedule.

“He has recovered 30% earlier than expected and he should be ready for what is the start of the new championship.”