Liverpool midfielder Arthur Melo has reportedly employed his own fitness team as he looks to gain full match sharpness under Jurgen Klopp.
Arthur arrived at Anfield from Juventus on a season-long loan on deadline day, in a deal that includes an option to buy.
Klopp was forced into entering the market for this last minute acquisition, due to the extensive injury list in the middle of the park he was having to and continues to have to contend with.
Reports emerged last week that the Reds hierarchy had made a decision that they would not be triggering the purchase option and would instead send him back to the Italian club in January.
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The Liverpool coaching team had supposedly been left "unimpressed" by the midfielder and were ready to part ways with him in the winter window.
However, these reports were dismissed by reputable sources, with Guillem Balague suggesting that no such decision had been made and that the coaching staff had actually congratulated him on his understanding of the system and his quality.
Despite this conflicting report from Balague, Arthur has been limited to just a small cameo in the Merseyside club’s 4-1 defeat to Napoli in the Champions League earlier this month.
The 26-year-old did not feature against Ajax the following week, despite supposedly being available.
Klopp has revealed that he plans to ‘be careful’ with the playmaker before giving him substantial minutes on a regular basis.
Arthur’s time at Juventus was scarred by several hamstring and ankle injuries, so Klopp’s cautious approach would appear logical.
To ensure the former Barcelona man starts getting regular minutes on the pitch quickly, the Times report that he has employed a team of specialists to aid him in his pursuit of fitness.
Nutritionist Joana Pessoa Dell’Oro, physiotherapist Adrian Martinez Castro and fitness coach Daniel Esetabn Labarca Encina have joined Arthur in the North West.
This help around the player should increase his chances of being ready for selection after the international break and with the likes of Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain continuing to struggle with injuries, the Reds will need their new signing.
Topics: Liverpool
Alfie Culshaw