Liverpool have released the latest batch of photos from yesterday’s training session.
Worryingly, the photos show that there was no sign of Thiago Alcantara, Virgil Van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate on Thursday.
The Reds were back out at the AXA Training Centre as they prepare for a trip to Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday lunchtime.
But the absence of the trio will be major worry. Liverpool don’t have the best of records against Brighton recently and badly need to bounce back from a disappointing loss to Inter Milan on Tuesday.
Hopefully Thiago’s absence is a case of managing his training load after completing an hour against Inter. The 30-year-old is only just back from injury and his sessions are possibly being watched carefully.
Van Dijk on the other hand rarely misses a session. The Dutchman has played a lot of football recently but has been looking like getting back to his brilliant best. Hopefully it’s nothing serious.
Konate missed the game against Inter with an unspecified injury. It seems as though he’ll be missing again tomorrow.
Focussing on the positive
Despite the absence of the trio, there was still plenty to be positive about. Mohamed Salah looked happy as he hit the training pitches yesterday. Mo hit the post twice on Tuesday and joked after the game that he ‘might score three next game’. Let’s hope so!
Andy Robertson, as ever, appeared to be full of beans. The left-back looked burned out last season as he played over and over again.
But his trademark energy looks to have returned. It looks like he’s been practicing his goal celebrations just in case he gets one the scoresheet at the Amex Stadium.
Settling in
Luis Diaz continues to impress in a Liverpool shirt. The Colombian should have scored having come off the bench against Inter. He would have had a Champions League goal for The Reds but for a flying block from Arturo Vidal.
Regardless, the 25-year-old looks settled amongst his new teammates. He could be seen having a joke with Kostas Tsimikas who despite his lack of playing time, seems to be a real positive influence in the squad.
Another player settling into life with the first-team is Tyler Morton. After a breakout period during the Autumn, Morton’s gametime has reduced.
That’s understandable given the options Jurgen Klopp has in his midfield. Since the return of the likes of Harvey Elliott, Thiago and Curtis Jones, a spot in the middle of the pitch has been hard to come by.
But it’s great to see Klopp keeping the youngster as part of the squad. It will enhance the development of the 19-year-old who remains highly regarded.
Finally, Marcelo Pitaluga will be hoping to fill the void left by Adrian next season. The young goalkeeper could be seen pulling off some great saves during the session.
There’s no chance that he’ll play at the weekend. But the Brazilian will be hoping that he has shown enough to be called upon next year.
Onto Brighton we go. Three points is all that matters at this stage of the season. Life may be more difficult without the missing trio. But let’s hope their absence is just a precaution.
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