Liverpool continued its preparations for its trip to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League as the players took part in an open training session at the AXA Training Center.
The Reds’ last European game was the effective dead rubber against PSV Eindhoven at the end of January, while PSG’s 15th-placed finish in the league phase meant the French team had to come through the play-off round to make it to the last 16.
Les Parisiens hammered fellow Ligue 1 side Brest 10-0 on aggregate to set up an intriguing clash with Liverpool, who finished in top spot in the league phase.
It is a pivotal few weeks for Liverpool as it continues its push on three fronts. The Reds take on Southampton in the Premier League on Saturday before the second leg vs PSG at Anfield next week. And that is followed by the small matter of the Carabao Cup final at Wembley.
The Reds were scheduled to travel to Paris on Tuesday, and ahead of the trip the players took part in a training session. This is what we spotted…
Gakpo missing
Cody Gakpo was absent for recent games against Wolves and Aston Villa and but made substitute appearances in the Reds’ last two Premier League fixtures, against Manchester City and Newcastle.
However, he was not present for the training session on the eve of the PSG game, which of course poses questions over whether he will be fit to feature. His name was however included on Liverpool’s traveling squad list for the game.
Arne Slot will address reporters at a press conference on Tuesday when he will undoubtedly be asked about Gakpo’s fitness. As expected, Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez were also not involved in the session due to injury.
Three youngsters involved
Young trio James McConnell, Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha were all involved in first-team training ahead of the flight to the French capital.
It is highly unlikely that any of the trio will see game time against Luis Enrique’s side, but the opportunity to train with their senior teammates on the eve of such a big match will only help them with their development.
(Image: 2025 Liverpool FC)
Nyoni has made five appearances for the Reds this season, while McConnell has turned out four times, and Ngumoha’s sole appearance came against Accrington Stanley in the third round of the FA Cup.
Van Dijk’s leadership
Virgil van Dijk’s leadership is pretty much always on show, and it was evident once more as he addressed his teammates prior to the pre-session huddle, which was led by head coach Arne Slot.
The Dutchman shouted “let’s go!” after Slot drew the huddle to a close, geeing up his teammates ahead of the squad’s final training session before the short flight across the Channel.
Van Dijk’s Reds future, of course, remains uncertain, and although he seemingly wants to stay at the club, there is a small chance that the game against PSG could be the last European away game that he features in for Liverpool.
