Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Rich Jones

Liverpool training: 5 things we noticed ahead of Champions League clash

Liverpool players were put through their paces on last time on Monday ahead of their huge Champions League clash with Porto on Tuesday night.

Jurgen Klopp's side looked relaxed at their Melwood training base as they get set to welcome the Portuguese side to Anfield.

The Reds are preparing for eight huge days, with a Premier League clash with Chelsea that is crucial to their title ambitions on Sunday before heading to Portugal for next Wednesday's second leg.

Yet there appear to be few nerves amongst the players and staff, with smiles all around as they get set for another special European night at Anfield.

Here's five things we noticed from training as Liverpool finalised their preparations for the game.

James Milner (right) could fill in for the suspended Andy Robertson (left) (AFP/Getty Images)

Jurgen Klopp insists "on-fire" Liverpool players ready to write perfect ending

1) Milner preparing for unusual role?

Liverpool are facing a problem at left-back with Andrew Robertson suspended.

The Scot picked up a late booking in the second leg of their last-16 triumph over Bayern ruling him out against Porto.

Step forward, James Milner.

The experienced utility man could be set to start on the left side of defence and took the last chance to get himself prepared ahead of potentially playing an unfamiliar role on Tuesday night.

Salah ended his goal drought with a key strike against Southampton (Action Images via Reuters)

Why Jurgen Klopp didn't want Liverpool to draw Porto in Champions League

2) Weight lifted for Salah

Mohamad Salah came in for plenty of criticism during his goal drought.

But just as manager Jurgen Klopp predicted, the time came for him to turn things around.

The Egyptian superstar bagged for the first time in nine matches to send Liverpool back to the Premier League summit against Southampton on Friday.

He was snapped in training looking as relaxed and happy as you'd expect as he now aims to hit top form once again over the remainder of the season.

Klopp and van Dijk shared a joke as they walked to the pitch (PETER POWELL/EPA-EFE/REX)

Liverpool squad vs Porto revealed as Jurgen Klopp ponders changes

3) All smiles for Van Dijk and Klopp

Virgil van Dijk is the man of the moment at Liverpool.

The rock-solid defender is a huge favourite with Reds fans - and it seems Jurgen Klopp feels the same.

The manager was spotted sharing a laugh with the Dutchman as they get ready for Tuesday's clash with Porto.

They have been a match made in heaven this season and he'll have a big part to play again at the heart of Klopp's back line.

Jordan Henderson is on course for a recall to the starting line-up (Action Images via Reuters)

Champions League predictions: Experts give their verdicts on quarter-final ties

4) Henderson ready for recall

Jordan Henderson was left on the bench for Friday's win over Southampton.

But he made the perfect impact with a crucial third goal after coming on as a substitute to spark wild scenes in the away end.

It appears it will be enough to earn Henderson a recall to Klopp's starting line-up in midfield.

The skipper was in training and looking to prove once and for all he has earned his starting spot in their return to Champions League action.

Oxlade-Chamberlain is nearing a return to full fitness (Action Images via Reuters)

Premier League star names his dream front three - and snubs Liverpool forward

5) Secret weapon?

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is still on the comeback trail.

Nearly a year has passed since he was injured at the semi-final stage of the competition against Roma but he's nearing a return to first team action.

It seems highly unlikely he will feature in the first leg but he's back in training and aiming to prove his fitness.

Could he be a secret weapon for the Reds in the second leg, or later in the competition if they progress?

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.