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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Chris Doyle

5 things noticed from Liverpool training as Jurgen Klopp handed double injury boost

The games are coming thick and fast for Liverpool as they compete on all fronts as they enter the business end of the season.

The Reds momentarily climbed above Manchester City in the Premier League table on Saturday afternoon after a 2-0 win over Watford, before Pep Guardiola's men immediately replied later that day against Burnley. The title race is heating up with both teams set to square off on Sunday in what could be crucial in determining the outcome of the league.

But Liverpool can't think too far ahead as they've got the matter of a Champions League quarter-final to deal with before that. The Reds will travel to Lisbon to take on Benfica in the first leg at the Estadio Du Luz, while City host Atletico Madrid.

Jurgen Klopp's men put in their final preparations with one last training session on Monday before jetting off to Portugal. Here are five things we noticed.

Trent injury boost

Trent Alexander-Arnold was only able to make the bench against Watford after picking up an injury before the international break. Joe Gomez came in at right-back for Liverpool, as a result, and the defender was a capable replacement, providing an assist for Diogo Jota's opener.

The Reds will be hoping Alexander-Arnold will be fit enough to start in Lisbon, however, as he's been one of their best players this term. It was a positive sign to see the England international training ahead of the contest, but it's likely he'll be a game-time decision on Tuesday night.

Trent Alexander-Arnold in Liverpool training (PA Wire)

Salah primed to bounce back

Mohamed Salah appeared to suffer an international hangover as he put in an uncharacteristically quiet performance for Liverpool against Watford. Sadio Mane's winning penalty sent Senegal to the World Cup as Egypt failed to qualify after Salah's missed spot-kick just four days earlier.

And it was clear it was still playing on his mind as he was a peripheral figure against the Hornets. He didn't really get into the game and for once this season, the winger didn't look a threat.

Salah was subbed early in the second half for Mane and looked dejected as he left the field, but it seems he has put his problems firmly behind him as he was all smiles at Melwood on Monday morning. Liverpool will need him back to his best as he's too important a player to hit a bad run of form, especially as every game is a must-win from now until the end of the season, including the Champions League tie against Benfica.

Jota continues to reach new heights

Jota's ankle injury in February threatened to derail his excellent season, especially as Luis Diaz cemented a starting spot in his absence, but he's continued right where he left off since returning to the side.

The Portugal star netted his 20th goal of the season across all competitions against Watford, his 14th in the Premier League, with a clever glancing header to outsmart Ben Foster. Jota is now level with Tottenham's Son Heung-min in the Premier League scoring charts in the process with his teammate Salah the only one with more goals than him this season (20) as he continues to be a big game player for Liverpool.

And the Reds will need some Jota magic when he returns to his homeland this week. The former Wolves striker looked raring to go during the session and is a guaranteed starter on Tuesday night.

Mohamed Salah all smiles during Liverpool training (Reuters)

Keita injury update

Naby Keita withdrew from international duty with Guinea due to a knee issue he has been carrying. He was unable to make the squad against Watford but has a fighting chance to be fit for the Benfica clash.

The midfielder trained on Monday, which suggests he is nearing a return, but it remains to be seen if he will feature on Tuesday. Keita isn't a regular in the starting XI, but he offers Liverpool something different compared to Klopp's other midfielders. He could be a useful asset for the German in Lisbon if he is fit.

Jurgen Klopp during a Liverpool training session (Reuters)

Klopp all smiles

There is so much at stake for Liverpool heading into the final months of the season, but it doesn't seem to bother the players or manager as they appeared incredibly relaxed on Monday. Klopp and the whole squad have taken the company line of 'focusing on the next game' but it seems to be working.

It looked impossible at the turn of the year that Liverpool would challenge Man City for the title and overtake them in the table, albeit briefly, on Saturday. But that's exactly what is happening and who would bet against them coming out on top.

It's the same situation for the Champions League with the Reds one of the favourites to go all the way in the competition. The Merseyside club were handed a relatively favourable draw with Benfica and it seems they're as confident as ever going into the game if Klopp's mood is anything to go by.

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