Midfielder Thiago Alcantara is in the final stages of his rehabilitation after hip surgery following his return to Liverpool for pre-season.
The Spaniard showed up at the AXA training center on Saturday with his teammates, who had also not played international matches this summer.
However, it was noticed that he didn’t take part in the lactate fitness test, a hallmark of the first day of pre-season under Jürgen Klopp.
It had sparked speculation over a potential fitness setback or that Thiago could be set to leave Anfield amid doubts over his future.
However, This Is Anfield understand that the 32-year-old’s absence is simply because he has been following an individual program aimed at preparing him for the new season.
And he remains on track to be fully ready for the start of the 2023-24 season, whether he’s a Liverpool player or not.
Thiago’s future is up in the air amid reported interest in signing him by Turkish giants Fenerbahce and a host of Saudi Arabian clubs.
Liverpool, for their part, are happy that the midfielder can look forward to the remaining year of his contract before leaving on a free transfer.
However, if a firm offer comes in and the player is willing to walk away, he won’t get in the way.
The Reds are keen to make further additions to their midfield options if possible, with Southampton’s Romeo Lavia on their radar.
The teenager’s arrival may well influence Thiago’s decision on his future as competition for places in this area of the pitch has already increased with the arrivals of Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister.
Thiago made 28 appearances last season, the lowest tally of his three seasons at Liverpool, with just 22 appearances in all competitions.
