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Liverpool trained on Friday ahead of taking on Manchester United this weekend in the Premier League — and the game has an extra level of importance after successive defeats.
Arne Slot will have spent the international break working on turning things around at Anfield and the visit of Ruben Amorim's side is the perfect chance to make a statement. A win is likely to be vital for boosting confidence and setting the mood for the next portion of the season, as well as keeping pace with Arsenal.
Here are the three things that Liverpool.com noticed from the Reds' training session yesterday, starting with confirmation of a double injury boost that could impact team selection.
Ibrahima Konate and Ryan Gravenberch feature
Arne Slot said in his Friday press conference that Ibrahima Konate and Ryan Gravenberch should both be fine to feature against Manchester United and the pair were both spotted in training.
Konate missed the second France game of the international break after he went off with a knock against Chelsea a fortnight ago but appears to be OK again. The center-back hasn't had the best start to the new campaign but can be expected to start here.
Gravenberch, meanwhile, came off at half-time for the Netherlands. He, though, is "completely fit" and is a near certainty to start at Anfield on Sunday.
Starting the season as the best midfielder in the league, Gravenberch has gone off the boil a little lately. Liverpool will hope that he can return to his best for this one, though, and if he does, the Reds will have an excellent chance of winning the game.
Federico Chiesa looking sharp
While Federico Chiesa has had moments this season, he is yet to fully get into his groove on a regular basis. He missed out on playing for Italy in this international break because he wasn't feeling 100 per cent ready, for instance.
Chiesa's match sharpness is increasing, however, and if he stays fit, everyone knows about the quality that he has. One video posted on Liverpool's social media channels showed the Italian beating his man and clinically firing into the back of the net.
Though he is unlikely to start against Manchester United, who would bet against Chiesa making another impact tomorrow? Again, when he is available and sharp, no one doubts his quality.
Spirits high before Man Utd
Before the international break, Liverpool lost three games on the spin — the first time that Slot has gone on such a run in his career. The chance to reset, then, came at a good time.
When reconvening in Kirkby, though, the Liverpool players looked in a positive mood. Hugo Ekitike and Mohamed Salah were among those to be snapped with beaming smiles.
There will be a determination from those chosen to start against Manchester United to ensure that the pathway to winning regularly starts here.
Certainly, an uptick in performance level will be required compared to what came before the break — but there is no reason to think that cannot happen to kickstart another crucial period.
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