Liverpool will be boosted by Thiago Alcantara returning from injury in the coming weeks.

The 32-year-old will not play in their League Cup trip to Bournemouth on Wednesday.

However, assistant Pep Lijnders admits that getting the experienced pass master back will elevate the team even further.

“Stefan is not available. We miss Thiago, huh? I miss him a lot," the Reds' assistant manager told reporters.

“Can you imagine our midfield, our new players everybody is speaking about, then you have Thiago Alcantara in the middle as well?

“Guiding the others, the experience, the way he passes, the way he moves. Everything. We really miss him but it will take time. He will not be available.

“I text him three days ago because it was 50 years since Cruyff made his debut for Barca. Holland and Barca will forever be connected. He's an unbelievable professional, an unbelievable guy. We hope to get him back soon."