Liverpool academy duo Tyler Morton and Leighton Clarkson have been training with Jurgen Klopp’s first-team ahead of the FA Cup final.
Liverpool are a little light in midfield following the news of Fabinho’s injury – the Brazilian will definitely miss tomorrow’s game.
While there’s no suggestion that either will be Fabinho’s replacement tomorrow, it’s a sign that Klopp is exploring his options in the position.
Morton and Clarkson get stuck in
Morton hasn’t played for Liverpool’s first-team since January. He could be seen getting stuck in with Ibrahima Konate at the AXA Training Centre yesterday.
Meanwhile, the last of Clarkson’s three appearances for Liverpool came in December 2020. A loan move to Blackburn Rovers at the start of the season was cut short in January. The 20-year-old hasn’t had a sniff of first-team football since.
Instead, he has featured exclusively in the underage groups – recently winning the Lancashire Cup alongside Morton.
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The 20-year-old could be seen trying to impress Klopp by taking on Konate, Divock Origi and Roberto Firmino in training.
Henderson doing his best Fabinho impression
The two young guns may well have caught the manager’s eye in the sun at Kirkby. That doesn’t mean they’ll be in the squad tomorrow though.
Klopp has reportedly already decided that Jordan Henderson will be Fabinho’s replacement tomorrow.
Hendo has operated in the deep-lying role numerous times for Liverpool and looks set to do so again. The captain will be hoping to lift the FA Cup for the first time with Liverpool, and could be seen in conversation with Klopp during yesterday’s session.
Naby gearing up for his biggest game in Red
Naby Keita is likely to keep his place in midfield in-front of the deeper Henderson. Having missed so many big games since signing for Liverpool, this will be his biggest game for the club.
It’s a nice change of fortunes for the 27-year-old, who also started Liverpool’s Carabao Cup final win in Februrary.
His fitness issues are well-documented, but he looks to have put those behind him this season. It’s just as well because Liverpool badly need him this weekend.
Thankfully, Naby looks ready to go. He has been noticeably more combative of late, occasionally treading the line with some of his feistier tackles.
That could be seen in full effect as he challenged Firmino during a rondos session.
Without Fabinho’s tough tackling in the middle of the pitch tomorrow, Liverpool will need plenty of that from Keita if they’re to complete a domestic cup double at Wembley.