Liverpool under-23 coach Michael Beale has revealed that Mamadou Sakho is close to full fitness and admits he is “pleased” to have the defender as part of his team.
Sakho was demoted to train __with the under-23s after being sent home from the Reds’ pre-season tour of the USA after Jurgen Klopp is understood to have become frustrated __with his attitude and timekeeping.
However, the France international – who refused to go out on loan in the summer – put in an impressive performance during Liverpool under-23’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United on Tuesday night, according to Beale.
“I thought Mama looked strong,” Beale told the Liverpool Echo.
“United were always looking for their No 9 (Scott McTominay) and his aerial threat but Mama showed his experience.
“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.”