Liverpool will aim to bounce back from their rare Premier League loss at Arsenal when they entertain Burnley on Saturday.
The Reds have had the rare luxury of midweek without a fixture as they look to maintain their place at the top of the standings with only their second 3pm Saturday kick-off of the season.
Jurgen Klopp’s squad were at the AXA Training Centre on Thursday to continue their preparations for the match at Anfield. But what could be gleaned from the session?
This was an afternoon where the intrigue was more about who wasn’t out on the pitch rather than those involved for Liverpool.
And while he was pictured happily interacting with his Reds team-mates in the gym earlier in the day, there was still no sign of Mohamed Salah making a return to full training having not featured for Klopp’s side in approaching six weeks.
Dominik Szoboszlai was another missing, with Liverpool waiting to confirm the length of his absence with a hamstring complaint. Thiago Alcantara, who suffered a muscle issue against Arsenal at the weekend, was also not there.
Gomez concern
While Salah’s absence was somewhat expected, less anticipated was there being no sign of Joe Gomez in the session at a wintry Kirkby.
The defender has started the last 10 games but was substituted five minutes before the end of the reverse at the Emirates.
Meanwhile, Conor Bradley was again not involved as he continues compassionate leave following the recent death of his father.
Kostas back
There was better news with the return of one player from a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Kostas Tsimikas has been missing since suffering a broken collarbone against Arsenal shortly before Christmas, but was able to take part in the full session on Thursday.
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson also continued their pursuit of full match sharpness, while Wataru Endo was involved after returning from Asia Cup duty with Japan.
Youngsters in
Jayden Danns, Lewis Koumas and Trey Nyoni, who all starred for Liverpool under-18s in their FA Youth Cup win over Fulham last week, were part of the session alongside regulars Bobby Clark and Kaide Gordon.
And 16-year-old goalkeeper Kornel Misciur, also involved against Fulham, was part of the senior goalkeeping group.
