Under-23s lose for the first time
Liverpool’s under-23 side tasted defeat for the first time this season, when they lost 2-0 away to Derby County last night. Liverpool were by far the better side in the first half, but were unable to find a breakthrough, which allowed Derby to take control and bag two goals after the break. The defeat ended their run of six straight league wins. The Reds were fielding something of a weakened side, as Ben Woodburn and Marko Grujic had already travelled to Slovenia, and Rhian Brewster is in India for the Under-17 World Cup. Despite the loss, Liverpool retain their position at the top of the Premier League 2, two points ahead of Everton in second place.
Adam Lallana update
Adam Lallana has returned to Melwood after a few days in Qatar, as he steps up his rehabilitation to try and recover from a thigh injury. The Englishman has been out of action since he sustained the injury in the Audi Cup, but believes that he is getting stronger every day. The return to Merseyside is another positive step toward his availability once again.
Jurgen Klopp is “delighted” about the news regarding Lallana’s progress. The boss is confident that all the necessary procedures are in place for the 29-year-old to be ready for a November return.
Klopp said, “I cannot say now, but maybe after the next international break he could be back.”
“It would be fantastic for us, of course. Everybody knows what kind of a quality player he is, so it would be fantastic.”
“It’s just good he is back in a few weeks.”
Liverpool after another left-back
French media are reporting that Liverpool have already made contact with Napoli with regards to the availability of Faouzi Ghoulam. The Algerian has been a consistent starter for the Italian side since 2014, but is now apparently open to a move to England, with Chelsea and Manchester City also interested.
The Reds might have been the first side to make contact, however, as the possibility of a January move has been heightened due to the fact that contract talks have stalled in the last few weeks. Ghoulam’s contract with Napoli runs out at the end of this season, but there have been rumours that he has stated that there will be no renewal. If this is the case, Napoli will likely look to offload him in January, so they can get some monetary value in return.
As Liverpool already picked up Andy Robertson in the summer, and with Alberto Moreno playing so well at the start of this campaign, it’s unclear as to how true these initial reports are.
