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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Tom Cavilla

Three things spotted in Liverpool training as duo missing ahead of Villarreal Champions League tie

Liverpool are back in first-team action tomorrow evening, as Villarreal make the trip to Anfield for the first leg of their Champions League semi-final showdown.

Such is the nature of the business end of the season, there is little time for rest and recuperation for Jurgen Klopp and his players as they gear up for another match of great importance. Unai Emery's side will be in high spirits having already knocked Bayern Munich and Juventus out of the competition and will be looking to cause another upset.

The Reds will take nothing for granted but will still be considered favourites to get the better of their Spanish opponents over two legs, which would rest in Liverpool reaching a third final of the 2021/22 season.

READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp gives Roberto Firmino injury update after Liverpool absence

READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp's one undroppable Liverpool player has become clearer than ever after Everton win

HAVE YOUR SAY: Pick your team to face Villarreal

Ahead of Wednesday's tie, here are three things we spotted from the club's open training session.

Firmino and Tsimikas not involved

Klopp confirmed at his pre-match press conference Roberto Firmino is expected to play no part in tomorrow's meeting with Villarreal, telling reporters: "I don't think [he is ready] yet. He is running outside and that's good, obviously, but I am not sure.

“Maybe somebody will surprise me afterwards and tell me, 'Yes, Bobby is in.' [I will have] open arms, but I don't think so." And the Brazilian was therefore, unsurprisingly, nowhere to be seen at the AXA Training Centre.

Kostas Tsimikas was another individual not present, though the reason for the Greek international not taking part remains to be seen. The 25-year-old was on the bench for Sunday's Merseyside derby, though failed to make an introduction at Anfield.

Players in high spirits

There were plenty of smiles on faces as the players emerged for their training session, having rounded off an impressive week of football in style on Sunday.

In the space of seven days, the Reds got the better of three of their biggest rivals by beating Manchester City, Manchester United and Everton. If there was ever a time to be on cloud nine, this was undoubtedly it.

Senior selection

The likes of Tyler Morton and Max Woltman have featured in the Champions League for the Reds during this season's group stages, though were nowhere to be seen on this occasion as the Reds were put through their paces at the AXA Training Centre.

Morton was in action for Liverpool under-23s yesterday evening as Barry Lewtas' side earned a 4-0 away win at Leicester City. Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott were two of the younger representatives included in the session, despite the latter also featuring for the under-23s on Tuesday.

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