3 weeks ago
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Liverpool continued its preparations for the new season with an open training session in Hong Kong as fans got a glimpse of the squad in action ahead of Saturday's friendly against AC Milan.
Around 25,000 supporters were in attendance at the Kai Tak Stadium as the Reds were put through their paces by Arne Slot and his staff. Alexis Mac Allister was once again not involved as he continues his recovery from injury, but the rest of his teammates were, with the Reds' newest addition also making an appearance.
Hugo Ekitike's arrival was confirmed on Wednesday, with Liverpool having agreed a deal with Eintracht Frankfurt that could reach up to $107 million with add-ons, and it might not be too long before fans get to see him in action.
With Saturday's game against Milan just around the corner, here's what we spotted from Liverpool's latest training session in Hong Kong...
Ekitike arrives
The new signing wasn't actually involved in the open training session, although he is now in Hong Kong after completing his move to Liverpool.
The club released pictures and a short video of Ekitike arriving at the club's hotel, no doubt feeling a little tired after his long flight having undergone his medical back in the UK.
And he got the chance to meet up with his new teammates at the end of the open session as he made his way out onto the pitch before the squad acknowledged the crowd before heading back to the locker room.
It's probably unlikely he will play a part against AC Milan after only just touching down in Asia, with next Wednesday's game against Yokohama F Marinos in Japan the more likely opportunity for him to make his first appearance.
Salah makes Diaz feelings clear
There are still major question marks surrounding Luis Diaz's future. Liverpool remains adamant that he is not for sale, but Bayern Munich is nevertheless planning a new bid, while the winger is said to have told the Reds he wants to leave.
To his credit though, Diaz has continued to work professionally during pre-season, having been heavily involved in training throughout the summer without any signs of him being unhappy at his current situation.
And nor is there any hint of any ill feelings from his teammates. As Thursday's session began, Mohamed Salah jumped on Diaz's back in a playful manner as the players jogged around the pitch, demonstrating the Colombian is still on very good terms with the rest of the Reds, even if he does want a move away.
Arne Slot doesn't appear to hold any sort of grudge either. The Liverpool boss could be seen jokingly gesturing a dive toward Diaz after a challenge from Salah later on in the session before giving his winger a pat on the back. Whatever happens with Diaz this summer, it seems there will be no issue with his teammates or head coach should he stay put at Anfield.
Bradley attacking
One of the big questions facing Slot this summer is who will be his first-choice right-back in the new season - Conor Bradley or Jeremie Frimpong?
The pair offer different options from the right flank, with Frimpong seen as the more attacking option given he essentially played as a winger for Bayer Leverkusen, and regularly takes up a more advanced role with the Netherlands.
But Bradley is certainly no slouch when it comes to attacking, and he demonstrated that perfectly with some lung-busting runs as he looked to sneak in at the back post on a couple of occasions during Thursday's session.
Slot certainly has a tough call on his hands, and the rest of pre-season will be crucial in deciding who gets the nod at right-back.
Alisson scare
The last thing you want during pre-season is any key players picking up injuries before a ball has even been kicked in the new season. Slot may well have been holding his breath then when Alisson Becker gave him a slight scare.
The goalkeeper wasn't involved in the initial drill as the players got themselves loose and ready, but he stepped back into the fold as the session turned to a more game-focused approach.
And he was called into action as Darwin Nunez broke free, with the Brazilian diving at the feet of his Uruguayan teammate to prevent him from scoring, but also coming off a little worse for wear for his troubles.
Alisson could be seen holding his shin after the pair collided, although thankfully he wasn't down for too long before being helped back to his feet by Nunez, and he didn't show any signs of the knock giving him any trouble during the rest of the session. Slot and the fans though will be hoping for fewer scares like that during the rest of the summer.
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