Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo was in the open session held at the AXA Training Centre in Kirkby ahead of the Reds’ Champions League second-leg tie against PSG.
The Dutch forward has missed the last two Liverpool matches through a minor knock. Gakpo traveled to Paris for the first leg but wasn’t able to be involved because he hadn’t recovered in time.
But Gakpo could be back in contention for the second leg at Anfield tomorrow. If he is fit, he would further add to the Liverpool attacking ranks with Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah struggling to hold the ball up last week.
Gakpo’s extra physicality would be beneficial and he has been in good form this season, scoring 16 goals and providing five assists in all competitions. Arne Slot will give a full update during his press conference, which is scheduled for 5.15pm UK time (12.15pm ET).
“I think it was maybe the first time this season that I saw this tempo,” Slot said of PSG ahead of the return leg. “I think Paris Saint Germain showed the right example. They played Lille in incredible intensity, 4-0 up at half-time.
“Then they played against us and that intensity, I haven’t seen that before in any game this season. When I look at the game against Paris Saint Germain, we have to go one step up in terms of intensity. And if I compare it with the game today, we have to go three, four, five, six, seven steps up in terms of the intensity if we want to have any chance of reaching the next round.”
(Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Everyone else who was expected to be involved in the training session appeared to be present and correct. Youngster James McConnell and Rio Ngumoha were also there.
PSG, meanwhile, has no injury concerns for the game. Luis Enrique has named a 22-man squad with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Ousmane Dembele and Bradley Barcola all involved.
“We’re going to show what kind of team we are. It’s been a long time since we lost, it’s up to us to show our personality and our strength,” midfielder Vitinha said immediately after the defeat to Liverpool last week. “We’re going to go there, we’re going to play a great game, we’re going to score and we’re going to go through, I’m sure of it.”
