4 things spotted in Liverpool training with key player missing as trio called up

Liverpool's players took part in their final training session before facing Burnley on Saturday, although one player has raised concerns after not being spotted

Liverpool players in training ahead of the clash with Burnley(Image: Getty Images)

Liverpool’s players took in their final preparations ahead of facing Burnley this weekend, while yet more drama was unfolding in the transfer window.

It now seems as though Marc Guehi will not be arriving at the AXA Training Centre at any point in the future, with the Crystal Palace defender set to join Manchester City just months after being on the verge of securing a move to Merseyside.

That will be a blow to the Reds, although Arne Slot’s side is on a good run at the moment, having gone unbeaten in their last 11 games in all competitions. They’ll be looking to extend that streak against Burnley on Saturday, although they might have just been handed another worry ahead of the game.

Here's what we spotted from Friday's training session...

No sign of Mac Allister

In all the pictures taken at the AXA Training Centre, Alexis Mac Allister was conspicuous by his absence, which could be a major concern for Liverpool on the eve of tomorrow's game against Burnley.

The Argentine started Monday's FA Cup win over Barnsley, and would be expected to be involved again in some capacity tomorrow if fit, with his absence raising questions over his fitness.

It's possible that he could have been away doing something else, or perhaps was just simply missed by the photographer, but that will be something to keep an eye on.

Much-needed injury boost

Wataru Endo made something of an unexpected return to the bench on Monday. Slot has revealed that the midfielder was set to return to training this week, although it did seem as though the game against Barnsley would come too soon.

Although he didn't make it onto the pitch, just his presence in the squad comes as a boost, especially given the injury problems Liverpool has in defense right now.

Wataru Endo and Virgil van Dijk in training for Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)

Endo can act as a backup, if needed, to the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, and given the games will be coming thick and fast now, it's more than likely he will be called upon at times.

Seeing him involved again in training then is a much-needed boost for Liverpool, especially now that Guehi's signing is out of the question. Endo may have an important role to play during the second half of the season.

More youngsters added

Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni were involved as usual in the first-team session, and they were joined by three of their academy teammates on Friday.

Amara Nallo was among those to get the call-up. The defender is expected to head out on loan this month following the signing of Mor Talla Ndiaye, and getting some time with the senior squad may be preparation for that.

Midfielder Tommy Pilling and winger Kieran Morrison were also involved. It remains to be seen whether any of them will be in the squad against Burnley on Saturday.

Ekitike ready to go

Hugo Ekitike's return on Monday was a welcome sight for all involved in Liverpool. Having the striker back is a major boost, and based on Friday's session, he should be ready and raring to go to start against Burnley.

Hugo Ekitike in training with Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)

Slot, though, will need to be careful with the French international. He continued his impressive form with an assist and a goal against Barnsley, but with Alexander Isak out, his workload is going to be substantial.

Ekitike will be first-choice to lead the line for the remainder of the season, and having already had one hamstring scare, Liverpool cannot afford to lose him for an extended period.

Hopefully, he's not being pushed too much in training. He's far too important a player for the Reds now.