Liverpool handed major training boost before Real Madrid clash as new injury blow revealed
Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold returns to training ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Real Madrid, but Kostas Tsimikas is absent.
Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold has returned to full training with the Reds ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League blockbuster against Real Madrid at Anfield.
The England international picked up a hamstring injury in the 2-0 Premier League win over Aston Villa before the two-week break, which forced him to withdraw from the Three Lions squad.
Reports at the time claimed that Alexander-Arnold had not sustained a serious problem, but the issue was severe enough to keep him out of the weekend’s thrilling 3-2 comeback win over Southampton.
However, the consensus was that Alexander-Arnold would recover in time to take on Real Madrid, who have apparently identified him as one of their leading transfer targets for the summer of 2025.
The 26-year-old will seemingly have the opportunity to clash with his reported admirers on Wednesday, as he was seen taking part in Liverpool’s main training session on Tuesday lunchtime.
Arne Slot should deliver an update on Alexander-Arnold’s fitness when he faces the media later on Tuesday, but the initial signs are positive for the England international’s chances of starting Wednesday’s game.
Alexander-Arnold trains but Alisson still absent
TAA 📸 pic.twitter.com/JNdOPgX9Ob
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) November 26, 2024
Joining Alexander-Arnold in the full training session was injury-plagued winger Federico Chiesawho has not played for the Merseyside giants since September 25, having struggled with niggling injuries and overall fitness.
Chiesa initially took part in individual work before joining up with the rest of the squad during the session, but fellow attacker Diogo Jota was still missing due to his abdominal concern, as was hamstring victim Alisson Becker.
Additionally, Greek left-back Kostas Tsimikas was nowhere to be seen, having apparently picked up an ankle injury in a practice session before the weekend’s victory at Southampton, which he did not make the squad for.
As a result, Andy Robertson should make just his second Champions League start of the season on Wednesday night, having only been a late substitute in wins over RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen.
Two Liverpool players are also running a suspension risk ahead of the visit of Real, as Ibrahima Konate and Alexis Mac Allister will both serve a one-match UCL ban if they are booked on Wednesday.
The Reds are the only team in the Champions League with 12 points on the board after four matches, while Real Madrid – who have suffered a devastating injury blow over Vinicius Junior before Wednesday’s game – are 18th in the 36-team table with six points from their first four games.
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