Here is what could be learned from Liverpool’s session at the AXA Training Centre ahead of the FA Cup tie against Arsenal
Liverpool are preparing to take on Arsenal in the FA Cup third round on Sunday.
Jurgen Klopp’s side will travel to the Emirates Stadium with the aim of progressing in the famous cup competition at the expense of their Premier League title rivals. The Reds have already demonstrated their prowess in domestic cups by reaching the Carabao Cup semi-finals and will wish to continue to fight across four competitions.
Liverpool may well name a rotated side against the Gunners as Klopp continues to contend with the club’s injury list. The additional absences of Mohamed Salah and Wataru Endo, who are away on international duty, has added to the intrigue over Jurgen Klopp’s team selection.
Here are three things that could be gleaned from Friday’s session at the AXA Training Centre:
Loan duo return
Footage released by the Reds showed two familiar faces making their return to training. Full-back Owen Beck is one of several players that have been recalled by Liverpool after his successful, albeit short, stint with Dundee FC. The injuries to Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas mean that Beck could be in line for opportunities in the coming weeks.
Nat Phillips was another player that could be seen being put through his paces by Jurgen Klopp and his staff, once again. The centre-back endured an injury-hit spell at Celtic and Liverpool will weigh up their options before deciding whether another loan move is suitable.
“With Nat we have to see and and we have to consider our own situation and he will definitely be with us until the end of the month,” Klopp explained. “We will have talks and see out situation, that is how it is.”
Youngsters to be given a chance vs Arsenal?
Away from the pressures of the Premier League title race, combined with the need to rest some key players, Liverpool could give a handful of their academy players some valuable experience against Arsenal.
The likes of Conor Bradley, Luke Chambers, Bobby Clark and James McConnell have all been given brief tastes of first team action and were part of training on Friday. Kaide Gordon. 19, was also among the group, who started against Arsenal in a Carabao Cup semi-final, back in 2022.
The youngster that most caught the eye of supporters, though, was the inclusion of Trey Nyoni. The 16-year-old attacking midfielder has been a breakthrough star for Liverpool’s academy sides, so far this season, and was included in the Premier League matchday squad against Brentford in November.
Andy Robertson recovery
Liverpool issued an update on Robertson’s recovery from surgery on his dislocated shoulder, which he suffered while away on Scotland duty in October.
A video released by the Reds showed Robertson working hard in the gym before heading out onto the grass. The 29-year-old completed a training session, away from the first team group, as he continued his comeback from injury.
