Klopp gets early present as Liverpool options emerge vs Nottm Forest

Jurgen Klopp feels Darwin Nunez is reaching his best form

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Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has been handed a double injury boost as he prepares to welcome back Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to the squad before they take on Nottingham Forest on Saturday. The pair have been sidelined with long-term injuries sustained during pre-season but there are encouraging signs the Reds duo could return in the coming weeks.

Keita is yet to make a Premier League appearance this season and there have been concerns over his long-term future at the club due to his injury record. The 27-year-old has missed 72 games in his four seasons at the club since his £65million switch from RB Leipzig and his current deal is set to expire in 2023.

But the Guinean has handed Klopp a massive boost after returning to action in training at Kirkby this week, as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury. Keita appeared to be in good spirits as he good back to basics in training, despite reports that the central midfielder was unhappy with his situation at Anfield.

He was spotted being put through his paces by Liverpool coaches, sprinting as fast as possible and dribbling with the ball in between cones on Thursday. That will be regarded as an encouraging sign for Klopp, who has seen his midfield options depleted by injuries and suspension this season.

Another positive indicator for the German boss is the gradual return of Oxlade-Chamberlain to full training. The 28-year-old was spotted pinging shots towards goal at backup goalkeeper Adrian in training and the Reds midfielder looked in impressive condition as he targets a comeback.

The former England international has been plagued by injury since suffering an ACL injury during a Champions League semi-final match against Roma four years ago. And when he has been fit, Chamberlain has not been able to break into the first team under Klopp.

The Liverpool boss has an abundance of options to choose from ahead of their trip to the City Ground to face Steve Cooper’s Forest side, with Jordan Henderson, Thiago Alcantara and Fabinho the most likely options to be used.

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Harvey Elliott, Fabio Carvalho and James Milner have also been used as makeshift central midfielders this season, although the latter has been forced to deputise in the wake of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s recent injury.

Things are falling into place for Klopp after a difficult start to the season, with his side now up to seventh in the Premier League following back-to-back 1-0 wins over Manchester City and West Ham.

And with the news of Keita and Chamberlain being on the mend, Klopp will feel more hopeful about their chances of putting together a run of form in the coming weeks.

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