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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Ian Doyle

Liverpool midfield absence explained and three other things spotted in training ahead of Napoli

Liverpool will hope to finish their Champions League group campaign with a flourish when they entertain Napoli on Tuesday.

The Reds - who are already qualified for the knockout stages - welcome the Serie A leaders knowing they have to win by four goals to leapfrog the visitors and secure top spot in Group A. Jurgen Klopp put his players through their paces at Kirkby on Monday afternoon as they continue their preparations for the Anfield clash.

But what could be gleaned from the session?

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Henderson absent

Liverpool's lack of midfield options has been a real headache for Klopp for much of the season. Injuries have decimated his choice and when players have been available, they haven't always been fully fit.

So there was a sense of unease at Jordan Henderson not being spotted out on the pitch alongside the rest of the Liverpool squad.

But any concerns regarding another injury setback were soon allayed, the skipper observed in the gym at the AXA Training Centre having an individual session.

Oxlade-Chamberlain continues

Liverpool's fortune with injuries this campaign could best be summed up by the fact even when back fit, some players have been ineligible.

Such has been the case for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita, who were both excluded from the Champions League squad from the group stage but have since returned to training earlier than had been anticipated.

While Keita is yet to truly ramp up his preparations, Oxlade-Chamberlain came off the bench at Nottingham Forest last weekend and was involved in the open training session here, despite being unable to feature against Napoli.

Calvin Ramsay in training with Liverpool ahead of the Champions League clash with Napoli (Getty Images)

Ramsay ready

By contrast, Calvin Ramsay will be hoping to finally play a competitive game for Liverpool on Tuesday as his frustrating wait comes to an end.

Klopp said as much earlier in the day when indicating the summer signing, having recovered from the injury that has delayed his debut, will at least be introduced from the bench against Napoli.

And the Scottish teenager was among those on the pitch at Kirkby as the temperature began to drop sharply. Might be a cold one against the Italians, folks.

Youngsters have chance

There was no sign of Joel Matip again with Klopp having earlier revealed the defender isn't yet ready for a return to the first team.

However, teenage defensive midfielder Stefan Bajcetic was in the session after coming off the bench at Ajax in Amsterdam last week for only his third senior outing.

And the versatile Melkamu Frauendorf, who made his first-team bow last season in the FA Cup, was another 18-year-old to have an opportunity.

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