Liverpool have been handed an unexpected double fitness boost ahead of the Champions League final against Real Madrid with Thiago Alcantara and Fabinho travelling to Paris.
The midfield duo were severe doubts ahead of the game having picked up injuries during the final few Premier League fixtures of the campaign. Thiago was forced off during the Reds' final league match of the season against Wolverhampton Wanderers and missed the side's pre-match preparations ahead of their trip to the French capital.
Elsewhere, former Real Madrid man Fabinho missed the final three league games of the campaign having suffered a hamstring problem. Unlike Thiago though, the Brazilian was fit enough to take part in Liverpool's most recent training session ahead of their flight over to Paris.
In positive news, he and Thiago have both been named in the Reds' travelling party so appear to each have a chance of featuring in the Merseyside club's third Champions League final under Jurgen Klopp. A club statement confirmed their inclusion.
It read: "Thiago Alcantara and Fabinho will be included in Liverpool's travelling squad for the Champions League final against Real Madrid. The pair will be among the players journeying to Paris for Saturday’s clash at Stade de France following injury concerns and are set to come into contention to return."
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Their respective returns to action will certainly be a huge boost to Klopp's plans of lifting the second Champions League title of his tenure. Following a slow start to life at Anfield, former Barcelona and Bayern Munich man Thiago has established himself as a key player in the heart of midfield.
Meanwhile, the Spaniard brings plenty of Champions League experience having been part of two title-winning squads, Barcelona in 2011, as well as Bayern Munich ahead of his switch to Merseyside. Fabinho will also more than likely be a key player at the Stade de France. The Brazilian has evolved his game this season having found the net on eight occasions so far - the best goalscoring campaign of his career.
One of the pair's colleagues, Luis Diaz, will also be hoping to play a key part in victory having enjoyed a wonderful impact at Anfield since his mid-season arrival from FC Porto. The Colombian has warned Real Madrid that his side will be doing everything they can to claim the trophy in Paris.
He said: "There are no favourites (considered) here. We know that a final is contested minute by minute.
"We are going to give 100 per cent. We know what we have to do. Clearly, we know what Real Madrid have – what a great team they are, the experience they have – but we also have a great squad and our great game and we are going to counteract what they do."
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