Liverpool FC players enjoyed a relaxed training session at Melwood as they continued their preparations for the weekend clash with Leicester City. Having hammered Swansea City 5-0 on Boxing Day, the Reds return to Anfield this Saturday for a Premier League meeting with the Foxes.
The Reds have been doing pretty well ever since they were beaten by Tottenham, and have picked up 25 points from their last 11 Premier League matches.
Jurgen Klopp would be looking to make a few changes to the side facing Leicester on Saturday as the Reds play three games in the next seven days over the new-year period. In the training session, James Milner looked all business and the utility midfielder would be of utmost use during the busy period when games come thick and fast.
Jordan Henderson was absent in the training session as our skipper is not expected to be back until February after he injured his hamstring in the 3-3 draw with Arsenal.
Also, left-back Alberto Moreno has been sidelined for the past 5 games after limping off midway through the 7-0 win over Spartak Moscow in the Champions League.
Meanwhile, third-choice goalkeeper Danny Ward was pictured shaking hands with our gaffer. In addition, the return of Marko Grujic to first-team training gives a welcome boost to Klopp during the busy schedule.
Grujic and Ben Woodburn are yet to get sufficient first-team opportunities and the duo was tipped to go out on loan in January. However, Klopp admits he’s reluctant to release his young players on temporary deals.
“We will see. These boys are all really close – much closer than you can see when I do the squad,” Klopp told Liverpoolfc.com.
“We have to decide at one point if it makes sense that they stay. For a lot of them, it makes sense that they stay here because we need them. For a few, maybe it makes a little bit less sense.”
The likes of Emre Can, Georginio Wijnaldum and Mohamed Salah looked in a joyful mood and the trio could start against Leicester City. Salah, who had a rare day without a goal against Swansea, would be looking to get on the scoresheet on Saturday.
Midfielders Philippe Coutinho and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain were also seen enjoying a light moment, while Estonian Ragnar Klavan was seen controlling the ball.
Adam Lallana could be in line to start the game, as the midfielder looked buoyant in training. With Liverpool cruising against Swansea, Klopp introduced Lallana from the bench in the 69th minute, handing the injury returnee a welcome spell of competitive minutes.
Danny Ings looked determined in the drills as he continues giving his best to get back into Klopp’s first-team plans following his recovery from a nasty knee injury.
It would be criminal on our part to underestimate our opponents Leicester, who have been doing well since the arrival of manager Claude Puel.
All I expect from our boys is to give their 100 percent and get three points in the bag in a comprehensive manner at Anfield.
