With Florian Wirtz not taking part in team training on Wednesday as Liverpool prepared for the visit of Chelsea, Arne Slot called up a new face in Tommy Pilling.
Wirtz was among those not involved in Liverpool’s outdoor session at the AXA Training Centre in midweek, working away from the group alongside Ibrahima Konate.
There is no indication as of yet that either player will miss the clash with Chelsea on Saturday, but provisions have been made for any absence.
While a 14-man group of senior outfielders were put through their paces by lead physical performance coach in the warmup, another six then joined from the U21s ranks.
BURTON, ENGLAND - Tuesday, September 2, 2025: Liverpool's Tommy Pilling during the English Football League Trophy Northern Group H match between Burton Albion FC and Liverpool FC Under-21's at The Burton Albion FC Stadium. Burton won 2-0. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Who is Tommy Pilling?
Full Name: Tommy James PillingAge: 21 (September 14, 2004)Position: Midfielder (AM, CM, DM)
Birthplace: St Helens, EnglandHeight: 5’9″ (175cm)Foot: Right
Joining regulars Kieran Morrison, Will Wright, Calvin Ramsay, Amara Nallo and Mor Talla Ndiaye was 21-year-old attacking midfielder Pilling.
Pilling’s involvement was particularly interesting as he is of a similar profile to Wirtz and unlike the others has not been consistent around senior squads this season.
Instead he has been a key player for the U21s while only making the first-team bench twice: in the Carabao Cup clashes with Southampton and Crystal Palace.
He has trained with the first team on occasion, including as part of the buildup to the 1-0 win over Real Madrid in November, but he is yet to be named for either the Premier League or Champions League.
Could Tommy Pilling make the Liverpool squad vs. Chelsea?
BURTON, ENGLAND - Tuesday, September 2, 2025: Liverpool's Tommy Pilling during the English Football League Trophy Northern Group H match between Burton Albion FC and Liverpool FC Under-21's at The Burton Albion FC Stadium. Burton won 2-0. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
While Wirtz is expected to make the squad there could still be a chance for Pilling this weekend, with Slot light on options for the lunchtime kickoff.
A total of 10 senior players missed training on Wednesday, with Alisson, Giorgi Mamardashvili, Giovanni Leoni, Conor Bradley, Wataru Endo, Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike out along with short-term absentees Wirtz and Konate.
There is a chance Isak proves his fitness in the buildup but like Alisson, who had been slated for a return at the end of April, his ongoing absence is a clear concern.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Monday, August 4, 2025: Liverpool's substitute Will Wright on the bench during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Athletic Bilbao at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
With Ekitike certainly ruled out it has opened up a pathway for 18-year-old striker Wright – and the same opportunity could fall to Pilling if others are unavailable.
Pilling was born in St Helens and joined Liverpool at the age of five, following in the footsteps of great-grandfather Jack Pilling who made 118 appearances for the club in the 1940s.
The youngster played for the first team in the pre-season friendly against Athletic Club at Anfield in August, coming off the bench to replace Trey Nyoni for the final 20 minutes of a 4-1 win.
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