Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is facing an anxious wait on the fitness of Thiago Alcantara ahead of the upcoming clash with Cardiff City.
The six-time European champions are set to welcome the Bluebirds to Anfield in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday lunchtime, with the visitors going in search of what would be a stunning and historic upset.
The Reds are already without star forwards Sadio Mane and Mo Salah, who are set to face off in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations, and Klopp admits Thiago is also now a doubt for the visit of Steve Morison's men.
The Spaniard had previously returned to training this week after recovering from a hip problem, but has since suffered a setback in his recovery due to illness.
Speaking ahead of the visit of the Bluebirds, Klopp said: "Thiago trained with us. Unfortunately, when Covid is around, you think it's the only infection you can get, but he had a little chest infection, so he had to step aside again.
"It's not perfect, of course, but I expect him to be in team training again today. So we'll see.
"The injury is completely fine. He looked really good in training, but that's how things are sometimes. So we will see how we can use him."
Meanwhile, the Liverpool boss was full of praise for Naby Keita's return to the group following his recent exploits with Guinea, but admits Sunday may come too soon for Divok Origi, who returned to first team training yesterday.
"Naby is completely fine," Klopp added. "He came back full of energy. He had a few days off as well and came back here after AFCON.
"Divok yesterday came back to full team training and looked very good, but it was his first time for a while. So from here we go as well."
It remains to be seen if new signing Luis Diaz will be involved following his recent arrival.
The Colombian is yet to train with his new team-mates since arriving from Porto, and Klopp admits the 25-year-old may need time to find his feet.
He continued: "If he stepped on the pitch and was immediately at his absolute best and playing better than everyone else then it would be really strange.
"He needs time to adapt to it but that doesn't mean I speak about four or five months. I haven't even seen him yet at the training ground so maybe we should wait a little bit!
"We're really happy and excited with the signing, it's a really good sign that we work on all fronts to improve this team. We have to be successful now and in the future so he can help with both."
One man who will definitely be involved in the squad on Sunday is Harvey Elliot, who is gearing up for a return following an ankle fracture that has kept him sidelined for five months.
“We have to see what is right for him. Is it right to start? Is it right to come on? He will be in the squad definitely for the Cardiff game and from there we go.
“Most of the things look completely natural. Absolutely really quick after a long, long period without proper team training. When you saw him the first time we thought immediately, 'Maybe we take him with us!' But it obviously makes no sense.
“So he has to take it step by step to get back to his best but he is close. Very close.”
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