Liverpool Under-23s boss Michael Beale has praised Mamadou Sakho’s work ethic and believes that he is nearing full fitness.
The French international fell out of favour with Jurgen Klopp over the summer, and then snubbed the chance to escape from Anfield prior to the summer transfer window deadline.
While his future looked bleak on Merseyside having dropped out of the first-team squad, Beale has painted a positive picture having been left impressed by the former Paris Saint-Germain star’s application in training and in games with the Reds youngsters, and believes that he isn’t far off reaching top form.
“I thought Mama looked strong,” Beale told the Liverpool Echo. “He was a good guide for young Tiago Ilori alongside him who seems to be in fine form too at the moment.
“I am pleased to have them both as part of our team. They give us a platform to play.
“Mama is training with us and he’s working hard every day. That’s the closest he’s looked to full fitness. I couple more games like that and we’ll see what happens from there.”
It remains to be seen whether or not Sakho can make a case to get back into Klopp’s plans moving forward, but it appears as though he has the right attitude and is working hard to do so at least.
Meanwhile, The Echo also report that midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum is back in training ahead of Saturday’s encounter with West Bromwich Albion at Anfield.
The Dutchman missed the game against Manchester United on Monday night after picking up an injury on international duty, but it’s reported that he’s back with the first team at Melwood and should be in contention to take on the Baggies.
Liverpool sit in fourth place in the Premier League table, just two points adrift of joint leaders Manchester City and Arsenal, and will hope that Wijnaldum’s return will help them overcome the disappointment of not being able to claim all three points against their bitter rivals last time out.