Injury updates on long-term absentees
Ahead of the Carabao Cup clash with Leicester City tonight, Jurgen Klopp delivered an update on three players who have been sidelined this season. The positive news came regarding Danny Ings who has been playing for the Under-23s recently as part of his rehabilitation for his second long-term knee injury. However, Ings was not included in the Under-23s match last night which could leave him open for an appearance with the senior squad tonight. Although it is likely that the striker will only make the bench, it is great to see him making positive progress because of all the hard work he has put in after being so unlucky with injuries.
Meanwhile, Nathaniel Clyne and Adam Lallana have been making baby steps towards a return but remain out of contention for selection. Clyne has been outside doing runs at a low intensity while Lallana is close to being able to do outside work. Not massive progress but definitely a big step in their recovery. Klopp has promised another update in the next press conference.
Youth teams do the double
It has been a positive last week for the youth setup at Liverpool. First, on Saturday, the Under-18s edged past Middlesbrough in a seven-goal thriller. The final scoreline was 4-3 to the Reds thanks to a hattrick from Liam Millar. The final goal came from Rafael Camacho.
Last night, the Under-23s won 2-0 away to West Ham to maintain their 100% record in the Premier League 2. Harry Wilson picked up both the goals inside 21 minutes and Liverpool comfortably saw out the rest of the game to protect the three points. Goalkeeper, Kamil Grabara was called into action before halftime as he pulled off a vital penalty save. Had the Hammers pulled one back it could’ve been a completely different story after the break. With five games gone and 15 points to their name, Liverpool sit at the top of the standings, three points ahead of Arsenal in second place.
Reds target Leipzig once again
Liverpool’s apparent interest in Red Bull Leipzig defender, Dayot Upamecano has resurfaced. The 18-year-old is a powerful centre-back, something that Liverpool required for quite a while now. He can also play as a holding central defensive midfielder and has apparently been tracked by the Anfield club for quite some time. When he was just 17 he made the intra-Red Bull switch from Salzburg to Leipzig and quickly solidified his starting position at his new squad. Obviously, no move can be made until January or perhaps Liverpool may wait until next summer when Upamecano could join current teammate, Naby Keita in a move to Merseyside.
