Mo Salah, Joel Matip Train Ahead of Manchester United vs. Liverpool

Liverpool's hopes of beating bitter rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday and padding their lead at the top of the Premier League have been increased by forward Mohamed Salah and centre-back Joel Matip returning to training. 

David Lynch of the London Evening Standard confirmed the participation of two of the Reds' key players:

Salah's presence is vital as part of a prolific front three alongside Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino. Meanwhile, Matip has been the best central defensive partner for Virgil van Dijk this season, but he's been recovering from a knock picked up during a 1-0 win over Sheffield United in September.

Matip was at the club's Melwood training base on Tuesday, but he's not the only potential injury boost for Jurgen Klopp's team. Goalkeeper Alisson Becker, who has been missing since the season-opening 4-1 win over Norwich City, also trained, according to James Carroll of the club's official website.

The impact of Alisson and Matip's absences has been obvious. Last season's stingiest defence in England's top flight has been breached six times through eight matches in the league already.

Liverpool also conceded three goals against FC Salzburg in the UEFA Champions League earlier this month when Joe Gomez replaced Matip in the lineup after the clean sheet against the Blades. Dejan Lovren was next to Van Dijk when James Maddison found the net during the Reds' 2-1 win over Leicester City before the international break.

Klopp's back four operates better with Matip's experience and athleticism involved, and the 28-year-old has arguably been Liverpool's most effective defender to start the campaign:

Liverpool beat the Foxes without Matip, but the win nearly came at a heavy cost after Salah went down following a reckless challenge from Leicester midfielder Hamza Choudhury.

The tackle left Klopp far from pleased:

Salah didn't score against the Foxes, but he has hit four goals and provided three assists in Liverpool's other league games. His presence will be crucial against a wounded United side in poor form but still talented enough to raise their game against the old enemy and try to stop Liverpool from winning a ninth straight in the league and at least maintain an eight-point lead over champions Manchester City.