Liverpool forced to train without FIVE first-team stars ahead of Tottenham clash

Liverpool’s recent injury crisis has seemed to get a small bit better of late.

Alisson returned to the starting lineup after being out since early October, Diogo Jota returned to the team to score the equaliser against Fulham for the first time in two months, and Federico Chiesa played out the second half as Liverpool edged past Southampton into the EFL Cup semi-finals.

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It brings a Liverpool squad back to almost fully fit after months where the side stayed atop the Premier League and Champions League despite their setbacks.

But the football season takes and takes, and five players were reported as absent from training yesterday.

Ibrahima Konate and Conor Bradley were the expected duo, with the pair still nursing knee and hamstring injuries, respectively. Konate himself has posted images doing physio rehab, which is a promising sign.

But also absent were Cody Gakpo, Federico Chiesa and Tyler Morton.

Liverpool without key trio heading into Tottenham trip

The reason for their absences is currently unknown.

All three played during the week against Southampton. As such, this could simply be precautionary.

It was Chiesa’s first outing in three months for the Reds, so caution would be advisable to ensure the Italian doesn’t spend any more unnecessary time on the sidelines.

Morton had also been nursing an issue recently and so it would make sense if he were to be resting.

But Gakpo has been ever-present during Liverpool’s season, becoming a regular fixture in Arne Slot’s starting XI and reaping the benefits with goals over both Real Madrid and Manchester City, among others.

It remains to be seen if any of the three travel with the squad down to London for the game against Tottenham tomorrow.

But if they don’t it will always be next man up as the team have proven they can do time and time again this season.

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