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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Ian Doyle

Liverpool duo absence fears allayed and three other things spotted in training

Liverpool will look to maintain their Premier League revival when they take on Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

The Reds go into the game on the back of an impressive 6-1 win at Leeds United on Monday that, while a first win in six, also means they are now unbeaten in three. Jurgen Klopp put his players through their paces on Wednesday afternoon as they continue their preparations for the Anfield clash.

But what could be gleaned from the session?

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Defensive duo absent

There were two major absences from the pitch with centre-backs Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konate sitting out the action.

While Gomez wasn't involved in the matchday squad at Elland Road, Konate started with his versatility allowing Trent Alexander-Arnold the freedom to move into midfield to devastating effect. However, the ECHO understands both defenders were at the AXA Training Centre on Wednesday working on individual fitness programmes.

Luis Diaz, meanwhile, appeared to show no ill effects following his return to action on Monday and took full part in the session.

Pair remain missing

The defensive duo weren't the only players not pictured. Neither Naby Keita nor Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who are both out of contract at the end of the season, were involved.

Keita was last pictured in training a fortnight ago and hasn't played for the first team since February, while Oxlade-Chamberlain trained last week but didn't make the bench at Leeds.

Regardless of injury, opportunities are likely to be limited for the duo during the final eight games of the season.

Trio there

Having had so many players missing for lengthy periods this season, the return of Diaz means Liverpool are reasonably close to full strength.

It contributed to there being a number of notable names also not among the substitutes on Monday, including Nat Phillips, Fabio Carvalho and Arthur Melo.

All three, though, were part of the session at Kirkby and will be pressing for inclusion in the matchday squad for Saturday.

Youngsters opportunity

Despite the plentiful numbers, there was still opportunity for a number of youngsters to again join in first-team training.

Ben Doak and Bobby Clark, who have both made their first-team breakthroughs this season, were involved in the session.

And Rhys Williams was once again present despite not being involved for the under-21s in their recent games against Brighton and Everton.

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