Six Liverpool youngsters were called up to Liverpool first-team training ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League tie against Girona.
Having been handed a rare weekend off following the postponement of the Merseyside derby against Everton, the Reds were back at work on Monday as they prepared for their latest outing in Europe.
Arne Slot’s side will be aiming to maintain their 100 per cent winning record when they head to Spain to take on Girona, who are making their Champions League debut this season. Liverpool is the only side so far to have guaranteed at least a spot in the extra play-off round, and a win tomorrow would surely be enough to see them go straight through to the last-16.
With the fixtures coming thick and fast as we enter the festive period, and with injuries still proving to be an issue, the Reds will be eager to sew up their progression as soon as possible, potentially giving them a free ride in their two remaining league phase games against Lille and PSV Eindhoven.
Slot was only able to name a 19-man squad for tomorrow’s game, with youngsters James Norris and James McConnell named among the traveling party. The left-back and midfielder were involved in training with the first-team on Monday, along with four of their academy teammates.
Jayden Danns, Rio Ngumoha, Trey Nyoni and Amara Nallo were also included as the Reds prepared at the AXA Training Centre before jetting off to Spain.
James Norris was among six Liverpool youngsters called up for training ahead of the Champions League clash with Girona
James Norris was among six Liverpool youngsters called up for training ahead of the Champions League clash with Girona (Image: Getty Images)
Alisson Becker and Diogo Jota also made an appearance, although only the former has made the trip to Girona. Federico Chiesa, meanwhile, suffered a setback in his return as he was forced to sit out the training session through illness, with the Italian also left out of the traveling squad.
Tyler Morton has also been left at home after picking up a knock during Monday’s session. With Alexis Mac Allister suspended for tomorrow’s game, McConnell’s chances of being handed some minutes tomorrow have been boosted.
Liverpool.com says: It is a bit of a surprise that Liverpool hasn’t taken Nyoni and Nallo with them to Spain, although it does perhaps make sense to leave them behind and give them an opportunity to play for the youth team if they’re unlikely to feature for the senior side. Injuries are becoming an increasing problem, and let’s hope Morton’s isn’t anything too serious.