Liverpool look set to enjoy the rare luxury of an almost fully fit squad for Wednesday night’s Champions League opener against Atletico Madrid at Anfield.
Arne Slot’s men completed their final training session at the AXA Training Centre on Tuesday, fine-tuning preparations for the visit of Diego Simeone’s side. Atletico will travel without key figures such as Julian Alvarez and Thiago Almada, but Liverpool’s squad looked strong—with just one senior absentee noted.
Who trained today?
Fans tuning into Liverpool’s official YouTube stream were treated to some encouraging sights. Record signing Alexander Isak was among those involved, offering hope he could feature after missing the weekend win over Burnley. Slot deemed the £125m striker not quite ready then, but his sharpness in training raised anticipation that he may make his European debut for the Reds.
Alexis Mac Allister also trained without issue despite taking a heavy knock from Lesley Ugochukwu against Chelsea on Sunday. Federico Chiesa was involved too, though he is ineligible for the Champions League squad.
Academy talents Rio Ngumoha, Trey Nyoni, and Jayden Danns joined the senior session. Nyoni and Danns remain eligible for UEFA’s ‘List B,’ meaning they could still be included on the bench if needed.
The only notable absentee was Curtis Jones, who is still recovering from the injury sustained against Arsenal in late August.
A welcome dilemma for Slot
With Mac Allister fit and Isak pushing for inclusion, Slot faces a selection dilemma of the best kind. Will he risk starting Isak up front, or stick with Hugo Ekitike and unleash the Swede later in the match?
UEFA rules allow 12 substitutes on the bench, giving the manager further flexibility to reward academy prospects with valuable Champions League exposure.
For Slot, this is the ideal scenario heading into a heavyweight European clash: a strong, motivated squad with competition across the pitch, and a chance to extend Liverpool’s winning streak to five in all competitions. Anfield will be primed, and the Reds look ready.
