Andy Robertson steps up Liverpool training as two returns confirmed before Arsenal
Here is what could be learned from Liverpool’s session at the AXA Training Centre ahead of the FA Cup tie against Arsenal
Liverpool are preparing to take on Arsenal in the FA Cup third round on Sunday.
Jurgen Klopp’s side will travel to the Emirates Stadium with the aim of progressing in the famous cup competition at the expense of their Premier League title rivals. The Reds have already demonstrated their prowess in domestic cups by reaching the Carabao Cup semi-finals and will wish to continue to fight across four competitions.
Liverpool may well name a rotated side against the Gunners as Klopp continues to contend with the club’s injury list. The additional absences of Mohamed Salah and Wataru Endo, who are away on international duty, has added to the intrigue over Jurgen Klopp’s team selection.
Here are three things that could be gleaned from Friday’s session at the AXA Training Centre:
READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp shares Dominik Szoboszlai injury latest as Liverpool suffer major Arsenal blow
READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp drops Mohamed Salah replacement hint as Liverpool face double January dilemma
Loan duo return
Footage released by the Reds showed two familiar faces making their return to training. Full-back Owen Beck is one of several players that have been recalled by Liverpool after his successful, albeit short, stint with Dundee FC. The injuries to Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas mean that Beck could be in line for opportunities in the coming weeks.
Nat Phillips was another player that could be seen being put through his paces by Jurgen Klopp and his staff, once again. The centre-back endured an injury-hit spell at Celtic and Liverpool will weigh up their options before deciding whether another loan move is suitable.
“With Nat we have to see and and we have to consider our own situation and he will definitely be with us until the end of the month,” Klopp explained. “We will have talks and see out situation, that is how it is.”
Youngsters to be given a chance vs Arsenal?
Away from the pressures of the Premier League title race, combined with the need to rest some key players, Liverpool could give a handful of their academy players some valuable experience against Arsenal.
The likes of Conor Bradley, Luke Chambers, Bobby Clark and James McConnell have all been given brief tastes of first team action and were part of training on Friday. Kaide Gordon. 19, was also among the group, who started against Arsenal in a Carabao Cup semi-final, back in 2022.
The youngster that most caught the eye of supporters, though, was the inclusion of Trey Nyoni. The 16-year-old attacking midfielder has been a breakthrough star for Liverpool’s academy sides, so far this season, and was included in the Premier League matchday squad against Brentford in November.
Andy Robertson recovery
Liverpool issued an update on Robertson’s recovery from surgery on his dislocated shoulder, which he suffered while away on Scotland duty in October.
A video released by the Reds showed Robertson working hard in the gym before heading out onto the grass. The 29-year-old completed a training session, away from the first team group, as he continued his comeback from injury.
READ NEXT:
Liverpool transfer news LIVE – Kylian Mbappe deadline, Michael Olise battle, Joao Palhinha twist
Liverpool transfer news, rumours, gossip and speculation including the latest on Kylian Mbappe, Leny Yoro, Michael Olise, Mohamed Salah, Fabio Carvalho and more
Liverpool continue to be linked with a remarkable move for PSG forward Kylian Mbappe.
The 25-year-old has six months left on his current contract and is free to talk to clubs outside of France, ahead of a move in the summer transfer window. The Reds have been long-term admirers of the French captain, though wages could prove to be a stumbling block.
Liverpool have also been touted with a move for Crystal Palace star Michael Olise, who was previously a target for Chelsea.
Elsewhere, it has been claimed that the club have been quoted a huge asking price for Lille defnder Leny Yoro, amid reported interest from the likes of Manchester City and PSG.
Send your views to @LivEchoLFC and don’t forget to subscribe to our free Liverpool FC newsletter, our YouTube channel and listen to our Blood Red Podcast – with all your favourite ECHO regulars including Paul Gorst, Ian Doyle, Joe Rimmer, Theo Squires, Tom Cavilla, Keifer MacDonald and more.
The Liverpool ECHO has launched its own WhatsApp community to bring you the very latest LFC transfer news and top stories direct to your phone. By joining our WhatsApp community, you will receive breaking news and top stories straight to your phone. All you have to do to join is click on this link, select ‘Join Community’ and you’re in. If you are using your computer, tablet or an additional phone you can use your mobile phone to join the group below. Just scan your camera over the QR code and open the link. For further information, click here.
Keep tabs on the latest news, views and Liverpool FC transfer rumours below.
Owen Beck will miss Arsenal FA Cup showdown due to bizarre rule
Liverpool will be without Owen Beck for Sunday’s FA Cup encounter at Arsenal.
The Welsh youngster was recalled from his successful loan at Dundee FC at the beginning of the month, following the recent injury troubles at left-back for the Reds.
The Athletic have reported that Beck will be denied the chance to feature in North London due to a suspension from his time north of the border.
It has been said that he will serve a one-match ban following two bookings in Dundee’s Scottish League Cup matches last July, where he was cautioned against Bonnyrigg Rose and Inverness CT.
Latest Premier League transfer rumours: Spurs want Timo Werner
We all love Liverpool splashing the cash, don’t we?
We haven’t seen it for a few years, especially not in January, but while they dipped into the market in the summer, it would be nice to see some AXA Training Centre leans or those people-carrier shots.
Anyway, Premier League clubs are getting busy – we’re already six days into the transfer window don’t ‘ya know?!
Timo Werner, remember him? He is reportedly wanted by Tottenham Hotspur.
The German attacker swapped RB Leipzig for Chelsea, following long-standing interest from Liverpool but soon moved back to Germany after struggling at Stamford Bridge. (I will refrain from saying anything because if I do, he will sign for Spurs and score a hat-trick against Liverpool).
But according to Sky Germany, ‘everything can happen very quickly’ and Werner will be loaned to North London until the end of the season with final negotiations to take place today.
Michael Olise release clause revealed amid Liverpool links
In another Football Insider development on Crystal Palace attacker Michael Olise, the Eagles winger is said to have a release clause.
The outlet has claimed that the French youngster has a release clause ‘in excess of £40million’.
But what is becoming clear, albeit reportedly, is that Olise is not for sale.
Where do you see Olise fitting in*, should Liverpool make the move? Leave your (nice) thoughts in the comments.
*This is theoretical.
Joao Palhinha set on Fulham exit but developments could boost Liverpool links
Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha reportedly has his heart set on a move to Bayern Munich.
The Portugal international was on the verge of completing a deadline day transfer to the Bundesliga in the summer but failed to get it over the line after the deadline passed in Germany.
Liverpool have been named among the suitors for the 28-year-old but have always distanced themselves from the Cottagers man. And any move in the summer for Palhinha would’ve been unfeasible following the midfield additions made at Anfield.
Anyway according to Sky Sports Germany, there is already a verbal agreement between Bayern and Palhinha. However, the move could be scuppered by Fulham’s persistence in sticking to their £56million valuation.
Michael Olise closely watched by Premier League trio
Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City are closely watching Crystal Palace star Michael Olise, according to Football Insider.
The outlet has claimed that the talented France youngster is attracting interest from a number of Premier League giants and is ‘expected’ to make a big-money move away from Selhurst Park in the summer.
Top-flight clubs are said to be keeping tabs on the 22-year-old, who has been the topic of scouting missions throughout ahead of a possible move at the end of the season.
But scouts will be forced to wait to gain further information on the winger after suffering a hamstring injury.
And worse yet, Roy Hodgson hasn’t put a timescale on the issue.
Is Kylian Mbappe going to Liverpool? Striker set to make decision on PSG future
According to L’Equipe, via Sport, Kylian Mbappe’s entourage and Paris Saint-Germain have agreed to make a final decision on his future before February.
The Ligue 1 side take on Real Sociedad in the Champions League round of 16 and it has been said that the Parisiens want ‘maximum peace of mind’.
Liverpool have been repeatedly linked with the France star but reports suggest the Reds are locked in a battle with PSG, who want to extend his stay, and Real Madrid, who have been long-term admirers.
Madrid are said to have tabled an offer, the same one they offered 18 months ago, and will not alter it. They want him to ‘accept or reject it’ by the end of January, it has been claimed.
In Sport’s article, Liverpool aren’t mentioned, which shows the level of ‘interest’…
Liverpool in ‘discussions’ over Leny Yoro transfer
Liverpool have reportedly held talks over a possible move for Lille defender Leny Yoro.
The teenager has been a breakthrough star for the French side and earlier eports have suggested that Lille are eager to keep hold of the centre-back this month, quoting a price of up to €90m (£77m).
However, an update from Le 10 Sport has claimed that this price was the one given to their domestic rivals PSG, with the valuation for English sides, such as Manchester United and Manchester City, estimated to be around €70m (£60m).
The report adds that Liverpool and their two Premier League rivals have all begun ‘formalised discussions’ with Lille over a move for Yoro.
Leave a Reply