After an unexpected weekend off, Arne Slot took charge of the 25-man squad in training ahead of Tuesday’s trip to Girona. This included potential left-back options other than Andy Robertson.
Slot has some decisions to make regarding his rotation for Tuesday’s Champions League match. The postponed Merseyside derby provides an unplanned but timely break for key players.
The away squad will be confirmed soon, but the 25-member group is training at the AXA Training Center ahead of the trip to Spain.
Neither Federico Chiesa (illness) nor Tyler Morton (knock) were able to make the flight, but Alisson and Diogo Jota, who made great strides last week, were involved.
It’s nice to see the camera capture Diogo with a smile on his face. He has missed the last 10 games and his return will be a huge boost!
With a knockout spot already secured, this could be an opportunity to rotate at the right time and a few youngsters will be hoping to get their chance in the slot.
Jayden Danns, Rio Ngumoha, Trey Nyoni, Amara Nallo, James McConnell and James Norris were all involved, with the latter taking the opportunity to cover at left-back to give Robertson some extra rest.
Norris, 21, has made two appearances for Liverpool’s senior team as a substitute but has not been part of the matchday squad since the 2021/22 season.
This photo doesn’t suggest that Robertson is feeling tired, but…
Ngumoha, 16, is not eligible for the Champions League but was seen testing his strength against Virgil van Dijk. He quickly learned that he was a great captain.
The youngster is expected to travel to Girona, but is expected to join the U19s for a UEFA Youth League match just hours before first-team kick-off.
Mo Salah was all smiles during his latest contract update, with the club now suggesting an “opening contract offer” according to the most recent report. This is a step forward, but it doesn’t guarantee anything.
Trent Alexander-Arnold will go into this game with a fresh look and is likely to start, having come off the bench late against Newcastle after returning against Manchester City.
There are options in the slot, but there are still five more games left to complete 2024, but it remains to be seen how strong the line-up will be against Girona after Derby reduce their need for rest.
It was thought Morton was set to get valuable time in the XI, but the knock ruled him out. However, this could be advantageous in influencing both Wataru Endo and Harvey Elliott.
Meanwhile, Alexis Mac Allister’s suspension for the next two games will allow him an early break in the Swiss resort town of Saint Moritzas.
Liverpool squad photo in training
goalkeeper: Alisson, Kelleher, Jaros, Misciur
Defender: Van Dijk, Gomez, Quansah, Nallo, Alexander-Arnold, Robertson, Norris.
Midfielder: Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Jones, Endo, Elliott, Nyoni, McConnell
transmission: Salah, Diaz, Gakpo, Jota, Nunez, Dans, apply
