Despite Jurgen Klopp’s return declaration, Thiago is still not participating in Liverpool training.

Although Jurgen Klopp said Thiago would be back in full training ahead of Aston Villa’s visit, the midfielder went missing again on Wednesday.

Thiago underwent surgery to correct a long-standing hip injury towards the end of last season and three months later he is still not fully recovered.

The 32-year-old has attended several sessions at the AXA Training Center but is no ordinary player in first-team training in his current form.

Ahead of the 2-1 win over Newcastle, Klopp picked up the plan for both Thiago and Curtis Jones to rejoin the squad in preparation for their upcoming clash with Aston Villa.

But when a 30-man squad stepped up training on Wednesday, there was no sign of the Spanish. Jones was one of those in the lineup, as was Stefan Bajcetic, with nine midfielders involved in the session, including youngsters Bobby Clark and James McConnell.

Fewer central defenders were available. Virgil van Dijk trained but was suspended this weekend, leaving only Joe Gomez, Joel Matip and Jarell Quansah.

Other youth players involved included Luke Chambers, Lewis Koumas and goalkeepers Marcelo Pitaluga, Vitezslav Jaros and Fabian Mrozek.

Pitaluga, 20, received praise from Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah for a string of saves during shooting practice.

Thiago was at the AXA Training Center on Wednesday, but he probably followed an individual program because he didn’t catch up with his teammates. Also absent were injured Ibrahima Konate and Conor Bradley, as well as Nat Phillips, who instead traveled to Glasgow on a short-term loan to Celtic.

Thiago’s ongoing recovery will continue to worry Liverpool staff, although caution should be exercised in any case regarding his reinstatement.

Given the nature of his injury and the need for surgery, Thiago’s long-term fitness could be of serious concern.

However, it is hoped that once the veteran is fit he can put in a consistent performance at Anfield last season ahead of a likely free transfer next summer.

Celta Vigo will be among the interested clubs when his contract expires. Thiago’s father Mazinho admitted this week he would love to see his son come “home”.

The Liverpool squad in training on Wednesday

Goalkeepers: Alisson, Kelleher, Adrian, Pitaluga, Jaros, Mrozek

Defenders: Van Dijk*, Gomez, Matip, Quansah, Alexander-Arnold, Robertson, Tsimikas, Chambers

Midfielders: Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Endo, Jones, Elliott, Bajcetic, Morton, Clark, McConnell

Attackers: Salah, Diaz, Gakpo, Nunez, Jota, Doak, Koumas