Liverpool host Leeds United at Anfield tonight in their latest Premier League clash, and Jurgen Klopp has delivered a late fitness boost which will delight Reds supporters.

What's the latest?

The Liverpool boss took to his pre-match press conference to confirm that Thiago Alcantara will be in contention to start following an absence due to an ear infection which saw the player miss the defeat to Nottingham Forest last weekend and the Champions League clash against Ajax in midweek.

Klopp gave a round-up of all the injury and fitness issues, including the Spain midfielder as he said (via Liverpool Echo): "I expect Jordan Henderson to be okay. Thiago will return too. It's still soon for Naby Keita and Matip is still out. You don't have to ask about Diogo or Luis for a while."

Fantastic news for Klopp

There is no doubt that Thiago's return is fantastic news for Klopp, especially after the Reds lost 1-0 without him against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground last weekend, and the manager will surely be hoping that the talented midfielder can be the difference in the middle of the park today.

The former Bayern Munich star has a 67.09% win ratio at Liverpool, only losing 14 games in all competitions when he has featured in the team across his 79 appearances for the Reds.

As a result, his return will surely be warmly welcomed by the manager, team and Anfield faithful should he be selected to start in midfield against Leeds tonight.

Thiago's return comes at a time when Liverpool are weakened in their attacking threat, with Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz and Naby Keita all currently sidelined.

Therefore, Klopp will be keen for the deep-lying 31-year-old playmaker to deliver that crucial connection between the build-up of attacking play and the final third where opportunities to score can be converted, given that he has played 5.2 accurate long balls per game, the most of any Reds player to start more than one league match in 2022/23.

Following the humiliating defeat to the Tricky Trees last week, a convincing 3-0 victory in the Champions League should be the confidence boost that the team needs in order to hoover up all three points here, whereas defeat would be disastrous for the Reds in their quest to close the gap on the top four.

With that in mind, there is no doubt that Thiago can be a positive influence in the heart of the Liverpool team tonight, and Klopp will be desperately hoping that the Spaniard's meticulous accuracy and dominance in midfield can inspire a much-needed victory.