LIVERPOOL: Emre Can trained with the rest of the Liverpool squad on Monday ahead the Champions League final against Real Madrid, raising hopes he could return to the team after more than two months out because of a back injury.

The Germany midfielder, who traveled to Marbella for Liverpool’s warm-weather camp last week, has been the main injury concern for manager Juergen Klopp heading into Saturday’s game in Kiev but looked sharp in the open training session held at Anfield.

One particular moment stood out, a full sliding challenge on defender Virgil van Dijk during a “rondo” session.

But Klopp cautioned about Can’s potential involvement in the game in Kiev.

“It depends always on the reaction. But let me put it this way, 10 days ago I didn’t think it is possible he could do what he did today. It looked good. It was really positive but we have to wait,” he told reporters.

“The door is open - he is really desperate to be a part. We shall see,” Klopp added.

James Milner, who missed the final Premier League game of the season against Brighton & Hove Albion with a muscle problem, also took part in the training session.

Klopp is expected to play Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum and Milner as his midfield three against Real. Can would be another good option, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain out injured.

Published in Dawn, May 22nd, 2018