Liverpool will return to Premier League action on Sunday with a match at home to Brighton, after mixed fortunes for Jurgen Klopp’s squad members during the international break.
As Liverpool gear up to take on Brighton on Sunday, a number of their squad members will be looking to pick up where they left off before the international break.
Jurgen Klopp’s side have a chance to put the pressure on title rivals Arsenal and Manchester City with a win against the Seagulls. Last season’s top two are set to face off later the same day, and Liverpool will end the weekend in top spot if they win and Arsenal fail to do so at the Etihad Stadium.
The last few games have seen Caoimhin Kelleher deputising in goal with Alisson out injured. The Irish international has sent a message to his colleague, who last featured in early February.
We’ve also got injury updates from the international break, with at least one concern for Klopp. Here are the latest lines from around Anfield.
Kelleher’s message for Alisson
Caoimhin Kelleher has hailed goalkeeping rival Alisson, saying the Brazilian has helped him improve his own game. Kelleher has played more games this season than in any other, helping the Liverpool win the Carabao Cup final.
“It’s always been really good with Ali,” the Ireland international said. “We’ve been together a few years now so we know each other quite well. He’s always there to support me and I think the view of the whole goalkeeping unit is that they are always there to support the person who is playing.
“Ali’s one of the best in the world in my opinion, one of the best ever. As I say, I’ve trained with him for a good number of years and just being able to watch him and what he does in the games and how he handles situations is probably the best thing for me.
Torres names Reds favourite
Fernando Torres was a fan favourite during his time at Anfield, and the Spaniard has hailed Mohamed Salah as his favourite player from the current generation. Torres was back on Merseyside to play for a legends team during the international break, scoring against an Ajax legends XI, and was asked his feelings on Jurgen Klopp’s squad.
Mohamed Salah could have a big part to play in the Premier League run-in (
Image:
CameraSport via Getty Images)
“I remember when he came to England [with Chelsea] and he was very young and didn’t have the minutes he deserved,” Torres said of Salah. “He had to move to Italy and prove himself and find a special club for a special player.
“You can see the results of what he did by himself. For me, [he is a] top player and one of the best players in the last 10 years. I always say this, [he is] my favourite player [and] I put him among the best players in the world in the last 10 years.”
Winners and losers from international break
It has been a mixed international break for Liverpool, both in terms of results and injuries. A number of their players were in action for their national sides, but a lengthy injury list means some missed out.
Rivals saw players fall by the wayside, most notably when Manchester City pair John Stones and Kyle Walker picked up injuries on England duty. Liverpool weren’t unscathed, though, with Andy Robertson suffering a setback on Scotland duty once more.
As Liverpool approach the business end of the season, they’ll want as many players fit and firing as possible. Mirror Football has taken a look at the big winners and losers from the last fortnight.