LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Monday, May 6, 2019: Liverpool's Andy Robertson (L) and Trent Alexander-Arnold during a training session at Melwood Training Ground ahead of the UEFA Champions League Semi-Final 2nd Leg match between Liverpool FC and FC Barcelona. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Liverpool threadbare for Barca tie as 14 outfield players train – with Van Dijk working separately

Liverpool appear set to be without a host of key names including Virgil van Dijk for Tuesday’s Champions League decider against Barcelona.

The Reds trained in front of the LFCTV cameras on Monday afternoon, with Jurgen Klopp seemingly putting all his eggs in the Premier League basket despite hopes of a comeback in Europe.

Already 3-0 down after the first leg, the sensible option may be for Liverpool to focus on Sunday’s final Premier League clash at home to Wolves.

This is particularly the case as injuries stack up and priorities become more defined.

Only 14 outfield players were put through their paces by Andreas Kornmayer, which suggests a heavily rotated side will be required for the second leg.

Klopp confirmed earlier in the day that neither Mohamed Salah or Roberto Firmino were fit to feature, while Naby Keita has already been ruled out for the remainder of the campaign.

According to the Press Association’s Carl Markham, Van Dijk, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Adam Lallana are instead taking part in “bespoke sessions as workloads are being managed.”

It is likely that no precautions are being taken, and fringe figures could expect to start against the Liga champions.

There is even the prospect of 19-year-old striker Rhian Brewster making the squad, with the uncapped youngster part of a threadbare group in training.


Liverpool Squad Training on Monday

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Monday, May 6, 2019: Liverpool players walk out for a training session at Melwood Training Ground ahead of the UEFA Champions League Semi-Final 2nd Leg match between Liverpool FC and FC Barcelona. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Goalkeepers: Alisson, Mignolet, Kelleher

Defenders: Matip, Lovren, Gomez, Alexander-Arnold, Robertson

Midfielders: Fabinho, Henderson, Wijnaldum, Milner

Forwards: Mane, Origi, Sturridge, Shaqiri, Brewster

Training separately: Van Dijk, Lallana, Oxlade-Chamberlain