Trent Alexander-Arnold took another step toward a return to Liverpool on Thursday, participating in team training.
The defender hasn’t played since suffering a hamstring injury against Aston Villa before the international break, although he returned to full training earlier this week.
And Alexander-Arnold breezed through another practice with his teammates at the AXA Centre, giving Jurgen Klopp a much-needed encouragement ahead of the weekend trip to Tottenham.
The No.66 is competing for a starting berth with Joe Gomez, who impressed in Alexander-Arnold’s absence as the Reds defeated West Ham United 3-1 on Sunday.
Szoboszlai and Alexander-Arnold demonstrate their abilities
Dominik Szoboszlai was back to business after his thunderbolt strike in Wednesday’s 3-1 Carabao Cup triumph over Leicester City.
The Hungary captain was given a 25-minute cameo alongside Darwin Nunez against the Foxes, and it only took five minutes for him to make his impact with a magnificent strike that will be one of the Reds’ contenders for their in-house Goal of the Season competition at the end of the season.
Szoboszlai is poised to start against Tottenham on Saturday evening, and the No.8 was seen playing keepy-uppies with Alexander-Arnold inside the gym before training began at the Kirkby base.
During Szoboszlai’s early days on Merseyside, the two players formed a strong connection and were filmed showing off their skills indoors before the training began outside. There were some lavish touches on display before the announcement came that it was time to “play football outside” rather than inside the gym.
Elliott was not seen
Harvey Elliott was not spotted at training after playing the entire game on Wednesday night.
Liverpool players often receive the next day free after a game, and it is probable the schedule was employed to give Elliott a break after an intense session against the Foxes.
Klopp will provide an update to the media during his pre-match press conference on Friday morning.
Alisson’s new appearance
Alisson Becker, the goalkeeper, was sporting a new appearance at training on Wednesday after deciding to chop off his signature beard.
The Brazilian was virtually shaven for Thursday’s session, which he shared with fellow shot-stoppers Marcelo Pitaluga and Fabian Mrozek. Caoimhin Kelleher, who kept goal against Leicester on Wednesday, did not appear to attend the session.
Salah and Robertson are back on the field
Following a night off with Alisson on Wednesday, Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson returned to work on Thursday.
Neither was in the match-day squad against Leicester as they got a well-earned evening off, but there was no such relief for the two on Thursday afternoon as they were put through their paces ahead of Saturday’s important encounter with Tottenham.
Salah is still wearing bandages on his right hand, but despite a wrist injury, the winger is allowed to play.
Thiago’s absence continues, while Bajcetic appears to be sitting it out
Thiago Alcantara was not seen during training on Thursday, continuing his absence.
The midfielder had surgery in May to ensure he was fit for the summer schedule, but after a hesitant comeback, the former Bayern Munich star suffered a setback and has yet to adequately practice with his teammates this term.
It’s uncertain how long Thiago will be out, and it’s been nearly eight months since his last appearance for Liverpool.
Stefan Bajcetic was also absent, albeit his absence could be explained by the fact that he has only recently returned from a six-month hiatus. Liverpool will most likely manage his workload following his substitute appearance against Leicester.