Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has revealed that Thiago Alcantara has suffered a setback as he aims to shake off a hip problem ahead of Sunday's FA Cup fourth-round tie with Cardiff City.
The former Bayern Munich man has been plagued by injuries this season and has missed the Reds' last five Premier League games due to coronavirus and a hip issue.
Reports had claimed that Thiago had returned to full training and was in with a chance of making his comeback against Cardiff, but Klopp has now conceded that the 30-year-old has come down with an illness and is doubtful.
"He trained with us - unfortunately when COVID is around you think it is the only infection you can get but he had a chest infection so he had to step aside again - but I expect him to be back in team training today. We'll see how we can use him for Sunday," Klopp told reporters at his pre-match press conference.
Meanwhile, Origi should be in contention after missing Liverpool's last six league games with a knee injury, with Klopp adding: "Divock looks really good. He was in full team training for the first time yesterday."
Harvey Elliott will also make his return to the matchday squad after nearly five months out with a serious ankle injury, but Klopp has hinted that Luis Diaz will not make his debut this weekend.
Ben Knapton
