3 things spotted in training ahead of Crystal Palace clash as Reds get injury boost

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Liverpool can take a huge stride toward Champions League qualification this weekend with a victory over a Crystal Palace side which may be distracted by a different task on the horizon

Joe Gomez could return this weekend(Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Liverpool resumes its pursuit of Champions League qualification this weekend as Crystal Palace visits Anfield in the Premier League.

The Reds go into the game buoyed by last weekend's Merseyside derby victory at Hill Dickinson Arena, as well as another midweek defeat for Chelsea, which further consolidated Arne Slot's side's spot in the top five.

There is nothing that could happen between now and the end of the season to change the fact that this campaign has been a very disappointing one for the Reds, but Champions League qualification would ensure the team has something to show for its league performance.

In Palace, Liverpool faces a team that is safe from relegation, while it is unlikely that it will make up enough ground to qualify for Europe through its league position.

In fact, there is every possibility that the Eagles will have one eye on their upcoming Europa Conference League semi-final against Shakhtar Donetsk, the first leg of which takes place next Thursday.

It's a good opportunity for Liverpool to get three more points on the board and virtually assure itself a spot at Europe's top table next season.

Ahead of the game, here are a few things we spotted during training...

Alisson restricted to gym work

Freddie Woodman makes a save during a Liverpool training session.(Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Freddie Woodman is set to continue in goal after coming off the bench to replace the stricken Giorgi Mamardashvili in last weekend's win over Everton.

Woodman's move to Liverpool last summer raised eyebrows, and even he couldn't have envisaged that he would have been playing in Premier League games for the Reds at the tail end of the season.

Alisson was not present in training – but did do some work in the gym – and while Mamardashvili's injury is not as bad as first feared when he was taken off on a stretcher against Everton, he will also miss the Palace game

Gomez to return?

Joe Gomez is a perennial fitness concern for Liverpool, and although there is a lot of love for the defender, surely the Reds keep the player who misses so many games in the squad for another season.

Gomez was not available for last weekend's Merseyside derby but was pictured in training on Thursday, suggesting he will be ready to return to the squad this weekend.

Isak plugging away

Alexander Isak during a Liverpool training session.(Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

It has not been the season that Alexander Isak would have been dreaming of when he finally secured the move that he was dreaming of for all of last summer.

The lack of a pre-season with Newcastle saw Isak start the season slowly, and when he did look as though he was getting up to speed, he suffered a broken leg which sidelined him for three months.

He has not looked particularly sharp since returning, but his Liverpool career is still young and he will surely come good – hopefully before the end of the season, in order to give him a confidence boost heading into next term.