MatchLiverpool v Newcastle United team news

The No.9 is back in full training after recovering from a hamstring injury, which he sustained on November 3 against Atletico Madrid.

Curtis Jones is also edging closer to a return following his eye issue, though he is yet to participate fully in team sessions at the AXA Training Centre.

"Bobby trained completely normal yesterday, so I would say he's in contention," Jürgen Klopp said on Wednesday.

"And Curtis had the first session like partial with the team, so he's not far off.

"Timing-wise, [it] couldn't be better, to be honest. How we all know, busy period, we need a full squad and getting two players of this calibre is obviously good news."

Virgil van Dijk may make his 150th appearance for the Reds in all competitions on Thursday night.

But Divock Origi, Nathaniel Phillips, Harvey Elliott and Adrian are set to remain unavailable for selection.

Newcastle, meanwhile, will be unable to call upon centre-back Federico Fernandez, who has been ruled out with a thigh issue. Paul Dummett remains a long-term absentee for the Magpies.

"We have Paul Dummett still out long term, although he's making good progress," head coach Eddie Howe told reporters. "We're hoping to get him back some stage soon, although he's not trained with the group yet.

"We've lost Federico Fernandez due to an injury. We're not sure of the extent of that injury yet, but he'll certainly miss this game and probably the majority of the games over the festive period I think."

Last match

Liverpool 1-0 Aston Villa (December 11): Alisson, Robertson, Van Dijk, Matip, Alexander-Arnold, Henderson, Fabinho, Thiago, Mane, Salah, Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Leicester City 4-0 Newcastle United (December 12): Dubravka, Lewis, Lascelles, Schar, Manquillo, Saint-Maximin, Willock, Shelvey, Almiron, Wilson, Joelinton.

Watch Liverpool v Newcastle live in the UK with the BT Sport monthly pass – buy here. Coming up on BT Sport...

• December 16: Liverpool v Newcastle United
• December 26: Liverpool v Leeds United

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