Liverpool host Real Madrid at Anfield in Champions League final first leg on Tuesday night-16 after wins over Everton and Newcastle in Premier League
Liverpool are preparing for one of the biggest games of the season against Real Madrid at Anfield on Tuesday night.
Jürgen Klopp’s team found their form at the right time and will face the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 against Real with confidence. After a poor start to 2023, which saw one win from seven games in all competitions, Liverpool now have back-to-back 2-0 wins over Everton and Newcastle.
These results have led to renewed optimism, with two games left in hand giving them a fighting chance to close the seven-point gap to fourth-placed Tottenham in the Premier League. An easing of the previously bloated injury list also comes at an opportune time ahead of the Champions League match against Real. Klopp put his players through their paces at their training ground in Kirkby on Monday. Here’s what came out of the session.
Nunez trains
The only downside to an impressive win over Newcastle at St James’ Park on Saturday came when Darwin Nunez picked up a second-half shoulder injury. Nunez was injured in a challenge with Kieran Trippier and had to be replaced, with Klopp explaining in the post-match press conference that “something on his shoulder” was “painful” for the Uruguayan.
The good news is that Nunez was training normally with the group on Monday and showed no signs of discomfort or pain. Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Klopp gave this update:
“There is a chance. We have to see how it is today. When we know we will make a decision.
Jota and Firmino ready
Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino have both come off the bench in Liverpool’s last two games – and they look eager to go now. Both forwards have retired after periods of injury-related sidelines, but both look perfectly fit after Monday’s training session.
If Nunez can’t play, at least Klopp has ready-made substitutes on hand, which could not be said during the team’s difficult period last month.
Arthur back
Arthur Melo’s move from Juventus on loan was a real disaster. The Brazilian midfielder arrived as something of a panic buying on deadline day and has had no impact and will not be there beyond the end of the season. He has only made a brief substitute appearance at Liverpool so far, with a thigh injury sustained in October which has sidelined him ever since.
He returned to training earlier this month, was re-involved on Monday and could be on the bench against Real as Klopp can call up 12 substitutes.
Absent
While the injury woes have eased of late, there are still some players who are notable for their absence. There was still no sign of the injured quartet Ibrahima Konate, Calvin Ramsey, Thiago Alcantara and Luis Diaz on Monday. Joe Gomez could replace Konate against Real, while Stefan Bajcetic could continue his run in midfield while Thiago remains unavailable.
Gakpo enjoys the form
Cody Gakpo was the focus of the training session and appears to have fully adjusted following his £40m transfer from PSV Eindhoven in January.
After a slow start, Gakpo found his place at Merseyside, scoring in the last two matches.
The Dutch international offers Klopp another attacking option, with his skills similar to Firmino’s as the retired No9. He is also good at coming from the left side of the attack.