Mohamed Salah and Andrew Robertson both missed Liverpool’s friendly win over Blackburn on Thursday as their minor injury issues continue to complicate the club's build-up to the Premier League's return.
The Reds ran out 6-0 winners against the Championship side, as they prepare for a return to competitive action after an enforced three-month suspension amid the coronavirus pandemic.
But neither the club’s leading goalscorer nor its first-choice left-back took any part in the encounter at Anfield.
Both Salah and Robertson had played in the inter-squad friendly that took place last week.
However, both missed out in another inter-squad game, before also being absent against Rovers with minor injuries.
They have also sat out a number of recent training sessions too.
Jurgen Klopp and his coaching staff are electing not to take any chances with either man.
The club say there are no injury concerns surrounding the two players.
Yet, with the Merseyside derby against Everton fast approaching, the nagging issues for both men which have seen them skip sessions to take part in physio work remain a worry.
The club’s second-choice goalkeeper, Adrian, was also absent on Thursday as a precautionary measure.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain did start, but after the England midfielder played his part in the opening goal, he had to be replaced following a knock t his ankle.
However, he should be fit to resume training on Monday, ahead of the season’s restart.
It is hoped that Robertson and Salah can join too.
Sadio Mane, Naby Keita, Takumi Minamino, Joel Matip, Ki-Jana Hoever and Leighton Clarkson all found the target in the comfortable win.
Speaking after the game, Klopp said: "It was not only a workout; for us, it was a really important test and we wanted the players to go for 45 minutes.
“Because of a few little issues we couldn’t do that, so we didn’t have enough ‘first-team players’, I would say, so that’s why we decided to let three players go for 60 minutes.
"It looked really good, pretty much from the beginning. Yes, you have to get used again to playing against a deep-defending side and stuff like this.
"Blackburn had a playing build-up from time to time, so we could work on the high press as well. So [the] counter-press was brilliant, the football was really good, the goals were nice and it was a really good afternoon.
"I am really thankful that Blackburn came here and we could do that, so I wish them all the best."
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