Things spotted from Liverpool training ahead of the clash against Man City.
Liverpool were put through their paces as they prepare for one of the biggest games of their season.
The Reds welcome Manchester City to Anfield on Sunday and a victory would be a marked statement in the pursuit of Champions League qualification. Arne Slot’s side sit sixth in the table, two points behind fourth-placed Manchester United. But a run of victories would see Liverpool’s chances of booking their spot in Europe’s elite club competition boosted markedly.
They face a City side who are desperate not to drop any points in the title race. Pep Guardiola’s men are six points adrift of leaders Arsenal.
Slot held his pre-match press conference on Thursday, a day earlier than usual. He is set to have depleted defensive options once again, with Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni (both knee) sidelined for the rest of the season and Jeremie Frimpong absent because of a groin issue.
In addition, Joe Gomez was not spotted in training in footage uploaded by Liverpool’s media team on Thursday afternoon. That was to be expected, however, with Slot admitting that Gomez - who has a hip issue - could be back with his team-mates on Friday and may be on the bench against City.
Dominik Szoboszlai is expected to feature on the right-hand side of defence, having been highly impressive in last weekend’s 4-1 win over Newcastle United.
Interestingly, Liverpool handed a 15-year-old a chance to rub shoulders with Virgil van Dijk, Mo Salah and Co. Josh Abe is highly regarded and has plundered five goals and two assists in the under-18s this season. The winger also featured for the under-19s in their 2-1 loss to MSK Zilina in the UEFA Youth League.
Abe has yet to agree a new contract with Liverpool and is free to leave at the end of the season. Manchester City and Chelsea have been linked with the highly-regarded youngster, who recently signed to PLG Agency - headed up by Trent Alexander-Arnold brother, Tyler.
Trey Nyoni and Calvin Ramsay, who have regularly been on the bench for Liverpool of late, also trained. Harvey Davies, who was recalled from his loan spell at Crawley Town before the winter transfer window closed, was put through his paces with the rest of the goalkeeping cohort.
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