Liverpool are preparing for their first game in almost two weeks, following the recent international break.
The Reds host Watford on Saturday as they look to maintain pressure on title rivals Manchester City in the Premier League. It also marks the start of a season-defining couple of months for Jurgen Klopp’s side, who are also still competing in both the Champions League and FA Cup.
As the players returned to Merseyside, after having been away with their national sides, their attention will once again turn towards Liverpool’s attempt at an unlikely quadruple. Here are four things spotted from Thursday’s training season at the AXA Training Centre in Kirkby.
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Alexander-Arnold involved
The Liverpool defender was forced to withdraw from England duty after picking up a hamstring injury. While the ECHO has since reported that Alexander-Arnold is aiming to return in time for the vital league clash with Manchester City on April 10.
The 23-year-old was granted permission by the club to spend part of the international break in Dubai at a specialist facility in order to aid his recovery. Though Alexander-Arnold continued his rehabilitation away from the main group, the full-back was pictured on an exercise bike and also performing a series of stretches as he continued his journey back to full fitness.
Naby Keita absent
While Alexander-Arnold continued his recovery inside the training complex at Kirkby, there was no sign of Naby Keita. The midfielder was also forced to withdraw from international duty with Guinea due to a knee injury.
Keita played just over an hour in Liverpool’s most recent game, their FA Cup win over Nottingham Forest, with news of his injury being reported the following day. Though it is possible that the 27-year-old was training elsewhere, it will be interesting to see if Jurgen Klopp gives an update on Keita’s fitness in his press conference on Friday.
New keeper added
There was a relatively unknown face among the high-profile names returning to Liverpool training. Jakub Ojrzynski was pictured training alongside Alisson, Caoimhin Kelleher and Adrian as the goalkeepers were put through their paces.
Though he has trained with the first team before, it is the first time the 19-year-old has been pictured among the senior side since November. The Poland youth international is currently on loan at Caernarfon Town, where he has been number one for the Welsh side this season.
Salah returns after World Cup disappointment
Mohamed Salah returned to Liverpool training after having suffered World Cup heartbreak with Egypt during the international break. The Reds forward missed his penalty in a World Cup play-off penalty shoot-out with Senegal after being targeted with several laser pens by fans in the crowd. Liverpool team-mate Sadio Mane later converted the decisive spot kick to send Senegal through to the tournament..
Though the Egyptian FA has petitioned for the game to be replayed because of the laser incident, the 29-year-old forward will turn his attention back towards Liverpool’s fight for the Premier League title. However, Salah is not the only player to suffer disappointment with his national side, with Luis Diaz and Colombia also failing to qualify for this year’s World Cup
