- Liverpool face Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday
- Alisson and Joe Gomez are yet to return to training
- A new signing and James McConnell were spotted with the senior squad
Excitement is building at the AXA Training Centre today as a mystery new signing was spotted training with the first-team squad for the first time. With the Reds gearing up for a crucial clash against Crystal Palace this Saturday.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot will be hopeful of building on their 2-1 victory over Everton when Palace visit Anfield this weekend.
With only five games left to play in the Premier League, the Reds are in the driving seat to secure UEFA Champions League qualification, as they sit fifth in the table.
A win against the Eagles would take Liverpool a step closer to qualifying for the European competition, as they look to end what has been a disappointing season strongly.
However, they will have to do so without some important players.
No Alisson or Joe Gomez in training
Liverpool number one goalkeeper Alisson Becker is expected to miss the game against Crystal Palace, as he was nowhere to be seen in team training on Wednesday, 22 April.
It has been reported there was a slight chance the goalkeeper would be fit for this weekend’s game, although that now looks unlikely.
The 33-year-old has not featured for Slot’s side since the 4-0 win against Galatasaray at Anfield last month.
The trip to Manchester United on 3 May appears to be a more realistic return date for Alisson.
Giorgi Mamardashvili, who started each of Liverpool’s five games since, is also ruled out after suffering a cut on his knee during the Merseyside derby last weekend.
This means Freddie Woodman is in line to make his full Premier League debut for the six-time European champions on Saturday.
James McConnell spotted with Liverpool squad
Meanwhile, Joe Gomez was also missing from team training on Wednesday and is increasingly likely to miss his second game in a row after coming on as a substitute against Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield a fortnight ago.
However, among the player spotted in training was Mor Talla Ndiaye, who arrived from the Senegalese side Amitie FC in January.
The defender made his debut for the Under-21s side last month and has now been called up to take part in the first-team training session, although he is not expected to feature against Palace.
James McConnell was also reportedly spotted taking part in training. The midfielder cut short his loan spell at Ajax due to a minor surgery, and recently stepped up his recovery by featuring in friendlies for the Under-21s.
Meanwhile, Hugo Ekitike, Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni, Wataru Endo, Stefan Bajcetic and Jayden Danns are on the long-term absentee list.
