Liverpool unveil new look as three more players absent…

Liverpool unveil new look as three more players absent from training ahead of Brighton tie

Liverpool are already building up for the continuation of their FA Cup defence when they make the trip to Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday.

The Reds travel to their fellow Premier League side looking to avenge a dreadful 3-0 top-flight defeat on the south coast earlier this month. Jurgen Klopp put his players through their paces at Kirkby on Wednesday afternoon as they continue their preparations for the AMEX Stadium clash.

But what could be gleaned from the session?

New-look Reds

There was something different about Liverpool as they strode out on to the AXA Training Centre pitch - their outfit.

The Reds were sporting for the first time - at least in front of the cameras - a snazzy grey, white and red training outfit.

And they were even training with the official Mitre FA Cup ball, which differs from the Nike Premier League one. Now that is fine attention to detail.

Trio missing

Not everybody was present as expected for the Reds on Wednesday, with Nat Phillips, Fabio Carvalho and James Milner all not spotted during the session.

However, with the game still five days away, it is normal for players to be on their own individual training programmes until nearer the match.

The injured quintet of Roberto Firmino, Virgil van Dijk, Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota and Arthur Melo were also still not involved.

Rhys Williams was back in training after making his return from his loan at Blackpool (Getty Images)

Duo return

It has been a busy month for the loan department at Liverpool, although perhaps not quite as they would have intended back in the summer.

Centre-back Rhys Williams and goalkeeper Jakub Ojrzynski are two of four loanees who have been recalled from their temporary stays elsewhere during January.

And the duo were among those training with the first team, along with fellow youngsters Bobby Clark and Fabian Mrozek.

Pep cheered

Tradition under Jurgen Klopp states a happy birthday must be sung to every player or coaching member in the language of everyone involved in the squad.

With such an international assortment at Kirkby, it can be a bit of a time-consuming introduction to the training session.

But there were all smiles as assistant manager Pep Lijnders, who celebrated his 40th birthday on Tuesday, became the latest recipient. Life begins and all that.

READ NEXT:

Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.

Already a member? Sign in here