5 things spotted in Liverpool training including Alexander Isak boost and new defender

Liverpool's players made their final preparations for their FA Cup clash against Brighton on Friday, with a new face earning himself a call-up to Arne Slot's squad in training

Arne Slot looks on during Liverpool training ahead of the FA Cup tie against Brighton(Image: Getty Images)

Liverpool has been putting the final touches on its preparations ahead of its FA Cup date with Brighton on Saturday.

The Reds host their Premier League rivals at Anfield in the fourth round, knowing that just five games could stand between them and a second piece of silverware under Arne Slot.

The Liverpool boss will have to think carefully about his side this weekend, with injuries continuing to be a real issue, especially in defense, after Wataru Endo became the latest to be ruled out this week. A number of players will have been hoping to catch the head coach’s eye as they took in their final training session on Friday.

As usual, ahead of a game, cameras were present at the AXA Training Centre to capture the Reds’ final session before the weekend - here’s what we spotted...

Isak boost

It'll still be a while before we see Alexander Isak back in action, but the striker looks to be well on the way to a full recovery.

He was pictured at the Reds' training ground on Friday, kicking a ball for the first time since breaking his leg against Tottenham in December, which is a key milestone as he eyes his comeback.

We're likely still some way off him joining in with the rest of his teammates in regular training, but, as long as there are no setbacks along the way, he will hopefully be on course to return before the end of the season.

Ewing called up

There was a new face involved in senior training on Friday, with Clae Ewing called up to join in with Slot's squad.

The 19-year-old signed his professional contract at the club last March and has made seven appearances for the club's U21s in the Premier League 2 this season (as per Transfermarkt).

Clae Ewing earned a call-up to Liverpool training ahead of facing Brighton(Image: Getty Images)

He adds to the defensive options on offer to Slot ahead of tomorrow's game, although being a left-back, he might be something of a surprise inclusion, given the Reds' lack of options at right-back.

Szoboszlai returns

Dominik Szoboszlai being back with his teammates is a welcome sight after his suspension for Wednesday's win at Sunderland. The Hungarian has perhaps been Liverpool's player of the season so far, and although the Reds won without him in midweek, there's no doubt about his importance to the side.

Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones in Liverpool training(Image: Getty Images)

He will be back in contention for tomorrow, although Slot will have to decide whether he wants to risk one of his key players, given that the Premier League and Champions League will surely be his side's priorities.

Youngsters ready

Although Slot has previously indicated he will be taking the FA Cup more seriously this season, tomorrow's game might be an opportunity to blood some of the youngsters aiming to make a name for themselves.

As well as the previously mentioned Ewing, Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni were involved as usual in training on Friday, and they were joined by defender Amara Nallo and winger Kieran Morrison.

Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha in Liverpool training(Image: Getty Images)

Ngumoha and Nyoni will certainly be in with a shout of starting against Brighton, with Slot surely eyeing up some changes as he looks to spare some of his bigger names a third game in seven days.

Ramsay staying patient

You have to feel for Calvin Ramsay at the moment. Even with neither of the usual recognized right-backs available, and another backup option ruled out this week, he still can't get his chance.

If Slot is ever going to give him another opportunity this season, you'd imagine it would come in the FA Cup. Even if he doesn't start, he surely has to come into the Liverpool boss' thinking from the bench just to lessen the burden on the likes of Szoboszlai and Joe Gomez.

For the time being, he continues to be training with the first-team, and hoping that his patience might pay off at some point soon.