Liverpool trained in Kirkby ahead of taking on Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, with Andoni Iraola's side welcoming back Joe Gomez but missing Cody Gakpo
Bradley Barcola during a Liverpool training session
Bradley Barcola during a Liverpool training session(Image: Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
Liverpool can kick off its Champions League campaign by taking a big step toward progression to the knockout phase on Wednesday, when it hosts Atletico Madrid.
Andoni Iraola's side will also take on LASK, Villarreal, Fenerbahce, Club Brugge, Porto, Inter Milan and Lens in the group phase, needing to finish inside the top eight spots in the standings to avoid facing an extra couple of games.
Earlier in the day, Iraola and Alexis Mac Allister spoke to the media at Anfield in an eventful pre-match press conference. Here's what we spotted in Tuesday's open training session ahead of the game.
READ MORE: Alexis Mac Allister had 'options to leave' Liverpool after receiving contract bombshell
Liverpool injury latest
Joe Gomez was back in training in a major boost following his pre-season injury setback, though Cody Gakpo was missing. The latter has been excellent this season so far.
Conor Bradley and Hugo Ekitike are long-term injury concerns still, while Giovanni Leoni and Federico Chiesa are expected to return to training in October, following the upcoming international break.
Joe Gomez returned to training during Liverpool's Atletico Madrid preparations
Joe Gomez returned to training during Liverpool's Atletico Madrid preparations(Image: Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
But having Gomez back, in particular with Jeremie Frimpong having been unconvincing, is big. He won't play every minute of every game — far from it — but an extra option in an area lacking depth is significant.
Mac Allister full of energy
Mac Allister was full of energy here, just as he has been at the start of the new Premier League season. His intensity in training would have raised his heart rate; earlier, he had raised eyebrows with some interesting comments.
"Of course, I can have very good games, very bad games like everyone," Mac Allister admitted. "I always give my best. "I see Dominik (Szoboszlai) and Ryan (Gravenberch) renewing their contracts, and that makes me very happy because they deserve it, but at the same time, it makes me a little bit sad that I didn't get mine."
It was a pointed message, certainly, but as the player himself explained, he will continue to give 100 percent to the cause. It is likely that he will start against Atletico, having begun the season well. Beyond that, nothing in terms of a new deal is guaranteed, though more good performances will only help his case.
Barcola punished
Bradley Barcola, Iraola said earlier, is ready for more minutes after making his debut last week. The $166 million (£123 million) man is up to speed and capable of starting. Here, though, he had to do a few push-ups alongside a couple of teammates as a punishment for not winning the ball back quickly enough during a rondo.
Whether Barcola starts or comes off the bench tomorrow night, he is set to feature at home for Liverpool for the first time. The away end at Ipswich got very excited at seeing him at Portman Road; Anfield will be no different.
Liverpool ready for challenge
Iraola has never managed in the Champions League before, so getting his first win on Wednesday would be an instant boost. The longer the wait goes on, the more that topic will be discussed.
In addition to the extra caliber of opposition and prestige, there is also a need to balance the squad. Rotation will be vital, with some big decisions — ahead of more big games — coming up. Gomez's return will help, while it remains to be seen whether or not Gakpo can feature. Fitting the Dutchman into the side will be important, with so many players capable of operating off the left.
Liverpool's players looked in high spirits here, laughing and joking loudly with one another. When the kick-off comes, though, they will need to be focused. Atletico will be a test, but also an opportunity: get three points early, and that will be a big step forward, with easier European fixtures (at least on paper) around the corner.