4 things spotted in Liverpool training as 3 players missing amid Trent Alexander-Arnold boost - chof 360 news

Trent Alexander-Arnold in training for Liverpool ahead of the Merseyside derby

-Credit:Getty Images

The preparations are almost complete as Liverpool gears up for what will be an emotional night - and a crucial game in their title challenge.

The Reds make the short journey across Stanley Park to face Everton in the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park, with plenty more on the line than just local bragging rights. Arne Slot's side will have the chance to go nine points clear of Arsenal in the race for the Premier League title, beginning what could be a decisive couple of weeks.

Everton though have been rejuvenated by the return of David Moyes as manager, and will not make things easy for Liverpool, who will be eager to put Sunday's FA Cup defeat at the hands of Plymouth firmly behind them.

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Cameras were present for Liverpool's final training session at the AXA Training Centre ahead of tomorrow's game. Here's what we spotted...

Trent boost

Having missed the last two games after being forced off at Bournemouth, Liverpool will be hoping Trent Alexander-Arnold can make a swift return against Everton tomorrow night. The good news is, it looks like he might be able to.

Slot admitted in his pre-match press conference - which was conducted before training on Tuesday - that the right-back had only been involved in parts of Monday's session, and would need closer inspection today to gauge whether he can be involved at Goodison Park.

Judging by the pictures from Kirkby, Alexander-Arnold looked to be fully involved in training, which will come as a big boost. Conor Bradley will still likely be favorite to start, but hopefully Liverpool's vice-captain will at least be able to take a place on the bench.

No sign of Nunez

While Alexander-Arnold was involved, what might be a slight concern is that there seemed to be no sign of Darwin Nunez during Tuesday's session. The Uruguayan was afforded some time away last week to be with his partner for the birth of their child, with Slot explaining that was why he only came off the bench at Plymouth.

“I think people know Darwin’s situation, that he became a dad one or two days before the game and that happened in Spain, so he came in a bit later," Slot said.

Liverpool's players in training ahead of the Merseyside derby

Liverpool's players in training ahead of the Merseyside derby -Credit:Getty Images

Whether that's the reason behind his absence today, or whether there's any sort of knock for the striker, we don't know yet, but he may be a doubt for tomorrow's game at Goodison Park.

Other than Nunez, Liverpool was of course without Joe Gomez, who lasted less than 10 minutes on his comeback against Plymouth, while Tyler Morton remains out with a shoulder injury.

Big guns are back

Having faced some criticism for his selection in the FA Cup at the weekend, you can guarantee Slot won't be taking any chances with his team tomorrow night.

All of the big guns - bar Nunez of course - were involved in training on Tuesday. Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Ibrahima Konate and Cody Gakpo will all be eyeing up a return to the side, as will Alisson Becker, with the Brazilian having been rested for the last two games.

Hot shots

Everton won't need telling who Liverpool's biggest threat will be tomorrow night. Having played one game fewer than his rivals, Mohamed Salah will get the chance to create a bit more breathing space in the race for the Premier League's Golden Boot as he looks to add to his tally of 21 goals, and 26 across all competitions.

Mohamed Salah in training for Liverpool

Mohamed Salah in training for Liverpool -Credit:Getty Images

The Egyptian looked to be in a relaxed mood during training on Tuesday, but he was soon focused as he took part in some shooting drills. And he wasn't the only one looking in good form.

Cody Gakpo is enjoying a fine season, and he'll be looking to move further up the scoring chart as he closes in on double figures in the league. The Netherlands international is just one goal involvement away from equaling his tally from last season, having already scored 16 goals and added five assists, with Liverpool's wingers looking well set to fire them to the title.

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