ARTHUR MELO could be thrown straight into Saturday’s Merseyside derby after his shock arrival at Anfield.
The Brazilian completed a medical on Thursday night to join Liverpool on a year-long loan with a £32million buy option from Juventus.
And he told boss Jurgen Klopp he is ready, willing and able to face Everton at Goodison — despite making NO appearances for the Serie A side this campaign.
Arthur, 26, joins fellow countrymen Alisson, Roberto Firmino and Fabinho amid an injury crisis that is threatening to cripple Liverpool’s title bid.
The midfielder spoke to Liverpool’s official site upon arriving in Merseyside.
He said: “I’m really, really happy to be here wearing this great shirt with this famous badge that represents so much in world football, it’s a dream.
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“We talked a lot, and our ideas and visions were a good fit so I’m sure it was the right choice. I’m really happy and highly motivated to continue living my dream on the pitch and giving my all in a Liverpool shirt.”
Klopp made his move after seeing skipper Jordan Henderson limp out of their dramatic 2-1 win over Newcastle on Wednesday.
His hamstring injury could keep him out for six weeks.
Thiago Alcantara is also sidelined, along with fellow midfielders Naby Keita, Curtis Jones and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
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Before hosting Toon, Klopp insisted there would be no more signings to add to the £64million arrival of striker Darwin Nunez — as well as £5m winger Fabio Carvalho and £4m right-back Calvin Ramsay.
But Henderson’s problem forced the German to rapidly alter his stance.
And Arthur, who cost Juve £66m from Barcelona just two years ago, flew in by private jet on Thursday.
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The 22-cap Samba star was wanted by Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta back in January after failing to make an impact in Italy.
But Arteta did not follow up his interest while Lyon, Roma, Rennes, Sporting Lisbon and Valencia all refused to pay his £6m-a-year salary.
Klopp, meanwhile, found that he did not have a choice amid a growing injury crisis — even if his side recovered from drawing their opening two games of the season by thumping Bournemouth 9-0, then beating Newcastle.
The German was criticised by Liverpool fans for not adding another midfielder earlier this summer having claimed that he had plenty of options, including budding star Harvey Elliott, 19.
He is waiting to sign English midfield prodigy Jude Bellingham, also 19, from Borussia Dortmund next summer.
And the transfer fee for ex-Birmingham youngster Bellingham could rise to an eye-watering £90m.
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But skipper Henderson getting crocked forced him into Plan B.
Arthur is expected to train today and will at least be on the bench for the lunchtime clash at Goodison Park.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
