After missing two games previous to the international break, Caoimhin Kelleher returned to training on the same day as Cody Gakpo showed progress with his knee injury.
The second-choice goalkeeper was denied the opportunity to start the second straight Europa League game due to the timing of the Irishman’s cut to his leg, which required 12 stitches.
Kelleher missed the matchday squad at Brighton and Ireland’s team for their October internationals because he was unable to play during Union SG’s earlier this month visit.
Stephen Kenny, the manager of Ireland, stated that Kelleher required “12 stitches in a knee joint,” apparently following a collision on the practise pitch.
However, the 24-year-old was back in the gym and on the pitch with the rest of Jurgen Klopp’s team as they prepared for the Saturday derby.
He still wore a little bandage covering his right knee, but the fact that he is back with the goalkeeping squad—which on Thursday featured seven players—is a positive development.
The match is scheduled for one week before the Reds’ Europa League group match against Toulouse, and Kelleher will hope to be eligible to start after declaring his intention to claim the competition as his own in the past.
Last time out against Union, Vitezslav Jaros and Fabian Mrozek were both listed on the bench due to Kelleher’s absence, therefore Alisson got the start.
The 24-year-old has made two appearances so far this season and will be keeping an eye out for another opportunity in goal when the League Cup travels to Bournemouth on November 1.
Andy Robertson, Conor Bradley, Thiago, and Stefan Bajcetic remain injured despite Kelleher’s return to training, and Curtis Jones is still out for the upcoming two domestic matches.