Liverpool prepares to face Arsenal in the FA Cup third round on Sunday. Jürgen Klopp’s team is aiming to advance in the prestigious competition at the expense of its Premier League opponent.
The Reds have already demonstrated their domestic cup skills by reaching the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and they are eager to maintain their competitive edge across all four tournaments. Liverpool will almost certainly pitch a reshuffled team against Arsenal as Klopp works his way through the club’s injury list.
The absence of Mohamed Salah and Wataru End, who are now on international duty, has heightened speculation about Klopp’s team selection. Apparently, some indications were given during Friday’s session at the AXA Training Centre.
Two familiar faces were observed returning to training in recent Liverpool footage. Owen Beck, a full-back who had a successful but brief stint with Dundee FC, is one of several players recalled by Liverpool. With Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas out injured, Beck may find himself taking opportunities in the coming weeks, despite the fact that he is suspended for this weekend’s FA Cup clash.
Nat Phillips was also spotted sweating under Klopp and his team. After an injury-plagued loan spell at Celtic, Liverpool will weigh its alternatives before committing to another loan move for the center-back.
“With Nat, we have to see and consider our own situation, and he will definitely be with us until the end of the month,” Klopp said. That is how it is; we will communicate and work through the matter.”
Given the intense Premier League championship race and the necessity to rest important players, Liverpool may give some of its academy talents the opportunity to acquire vital experience against Arsenal. Conor Bradley, Luke Chambers, Bobby Clark, and James McConnell, all of whom have had brief experiences with the first squad, took part in Friday’s training and could make an appearance.
Kaide Gordon, 19, was also in the group and had previously started against Arsenal in a Carabao Cup semi-final in 2022. Trey Nyoni, on the other hand, was the youthful star that piqued the interest of supporters the most. This season, the 16-year-old attacking midfielder has been a rising star for Liverpool’s academy sides, and he was named to the Premier League matchday squad against Brentford in November.
Meanwhile, Liverpool has released an update on Robertson’s rehabilitation from dislocated shoulder surgery, which he suffered while serving with Scotland in October. The Reds published a video of Robertson carefully working out in the gym before taking the field. As part of his continued recuperation, the 29-year-old performed a training session away from the first team group.