Liverpool defender absent from pre-Galatasaray training

Image Credits: Imago Images

Liverpool’s preparations for Galatasaray have done little to calm nerves among a fanbase still chewing over that deflating draw with Tottenham at Anfield.

Supporters were already wary of the Turkish champions after Liverpool’s first leg performance, and the late setback against Spurs has only added to the sense that this tie could swing either way under the lights on Wednesday night.

There was at least a small boost at the AXA Training Centre, where Alexander Isak was again spotted stepping up his rehabilitation work. The striker has been back running on the grass as he continues his recovery, but he is still working away from the main group and has not yet rejoined full team training.

Liverpool will hope his gradual progress continues over the next fortnight, but he is not expected to play any part against Galatasaray.

Amid that backdrop came a more concerning sight for Reds fans in today’s open training session. Ian Doyle reported that Joe Gomez was not involved at all as the squad went through their pre-Galatasaray workout at Kirkby.

The defender’s absence was notable given how heavily he has been leaned on lately, having completed 90 minutes in each of Liverpool’s last three fixtures in all competitions.

For now, there has been no official word from the club on whether this is simply a recovery decision or the sign of a fresh issue.

Clarity should come soon enough, though, with Slot due to address the media in his pre-Galatasaray press conference at the AXA Training Centre at 3:30 pm this afternoon, where an update on Gomez will be high on the agenda.