Liverpool players were put through their paces on Tuesday afternoon as they prepare for the Champions League second-leg vs Real Madrid
Liverpool attacker Luis Diaz returns to training following injury. (Image: Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
There were three notable absentees as Liverpool prepared for their Champions League last-16 second-leg against Real Madrid on Tuesday.
The Reds are looking to overturn the 5-2 scoreline from the reverse clash with the reigning European champions after a brace each for Vinicius Jr and Karim Benzema inflicted one of the club’s worst defeats at Anfield.
Eder Militao was also on the scoresheet for Los Blancos as they came from behind following two quickfire goals from Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah, who was in the right place to pounce on Thibaut Courtois’ mistake.
Jurgen Klopp’s side will be hoping to add another chapter to their list of iconic comebacks in the competition but the task of diminishing the three-goal deficit feels greater given the record of Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
The six-time winners are looking to bounce back from their defeat to Bournemouth at the weekend and they return to action against the record holders tomorrow (Wednesday 8pm kick-off).
Liverpool travel to the Bernabeu knowing they need to score three unanswered goals to take the tie beyond regulation time.
And they will be hoping that the elements will stay away in the Spanish capital after having to endure the rain, sleet and hail in Kirkby at the AXA Training Centre.
Luis Diaz trains separately
Liverpool were boosted by the return of Colombian attacker Luis Diaz as he made further strides to recovery from a knee injury. He initially suffered the problem in October against Arsenal before a setback hampered his comeback. He took part in individual training on Tuesday but what a sight for Reds to see him back on the grass – and doesn’t he look delighted about it!
Henderson and Bajcetic: Midfield options absent
Fabinho, who started against Bournemouth on Saturday, took part in Liverpool training pre-Real Madrid. However, there is cause for concern as neither Jordan Henderson nor Stefan Bajcetic was visible in the open training session. The Liverpool skipper was left on the bench for the trip at the weekend but came on midway through the second-half as the Spaniard was sacrificed late on as they pushed for an equaliser.
Joe Gomez returns to training
Liverpool defender Joe Gomez returned to first-team training for the first time since he was withdrawn against Real Madrid in the first-leg. He will be up against Joel Matip and Ibrahima Konate for selection but he provides a welcome defensive boost should injuries haunt the Reds again. Nat Phillips also returned this afternoon.
Braving the elements
Liverpool midfielder Fabio Carvalho was wearing all the accessories he can get his hands on as he and his teammates trained in arctic conditions. Hail, sleet and rain battered the AXA Training Centre in Kirkby. The Reds will be hoping to catch Real Madrid cold on Wednesday and pull off the unthinkable.
Still acclimatising
Cody Gakpo was spotted cowering as the Liverpool weather made its mark on the January arrival. After settling in over recent weeks, it appears that the attacker wasn’t too impressed with the mid-March conditions.
