5 things spotted in Liverpool training as Reds get boost after Bellingham woe

12 April 2023 , 20:33

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Luiz Diaz is in line to make his Liverpool return against Leeds (Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Liverpool are set to take on Leeds United in their next game, with Jurgen Klopp's men desperately searching for a win.

The Reds have not won any of their last five matches, with their most recent victory the 7-0 thrashing of rivals Manchester United last month. Liverpool currently sit eighth in the Premier League table, 12 points off the top four.

And Klopp will be hoping his side can kick off a late push for Champions League qualification with victory against Leeds, having been handed a blow this week as the club ended their pursuit of Jude Bellingham. Here, Mirror Football looks at the talking points from Liverpool's training session on Wednesday.

1. Diaz set for return

Liverpool fans will be delighted to see Luis Diaz training as he ramps up his return from a knee injury suffered in the 3-2 loss to Arsenal back in October. The 26-year-old played a full part in the session and Klopp revealed Diaz should be ready to play against Leeds on Monday.

"Luis will be back in full and normal team training and available for the game [against Leeds]," Klopp said after Liverpool's most recent game against Arsenal. "So these things are really, really good news."

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2. Thiago eyeing first start

Thiago will be hoping to start after making his return from injury off the bench against Arsenal (Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

While Thiago did come off the bench against Arsenal, the midfielder will be hoping to start against Leeds after spending more than two months on the sidelines. Thiago missed ten games with a hip injury and his return is a welcome one for Klopp, particularly given Liverpool's midfield struggles this season.

Klopp has previously hailed Thiago as the 'full package', stating: "You don't have five million players like this on the planet – only a few who see things earlier than anyone else and have the technical ability to not only see it but get the ball there as well."

3. Salah shows Robertson appreciation

Mohamed Salah embraces Andy Robertson (Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Having been at the centre of controversy against Arsenal when assistant referee Constantine Hatzidakis appeared to throw an elbow at him, Robertson was unfazed in training as Mo Salah embraced the defender.

Robertson has been criticised for his role in the incident, with Roy Keane notably branding him a "big baby", but the Scotland captain will surely start against Leeds despite the controversy having only missed four league games so far this season.

4. Trio absent

James Milner and Naby Keita were not pictured in training, alongside goalkeeper Alisson Becker

Goalkeeper Alisson and midfielders James Milner and Naby Keita were all not pictured in training. Keita has been out of action since March after picking up another injury while on international duty with Guinea and, with his contract expiring at the end of the season, it appears he will be departing Anfield in the summer.

There is no suggestion either Alisson or Milner have picked up injuries, with Alisson playing the full 90 minutes against Arsenal and Milner an unused substitute. However, Klopp is set to provide a full injury update ahead of the Leeds game when he speaks to the press on Friday.

5. Forgotten signing

Arthur Melo [L] has not made a single Premier League appearance since joining on loan from Juventus (Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Among those in training was the lesser-spotted Arthur Melo, who is still yet to play a single minute in the Premier League after signing on loan from Juventus in September. In fact, Arthur's sole Liverpool appearance this season saw him come off the bench in the 77th minute as they were beaten 4-1 by Napoli in the Champions League.

It has been a disastrous move for both the club and the player, with Arthur spending three months on the sidelines after needing surgery on a thigh injury he picked up back in October.

Matthew Cooper