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Liverpool FC News, Opinion, Transfer Rumours and Discussion
Updated: 2 hours 31 min ago

Confirmed Liverpool squad return to training – Jones & Konate absent

5 hours 8 min ago

Curtis Jones and Ibrahima Konate were absent as the Liverpool squad reassembled at the AXA Training Centre on Thursday, three days before the visit of Brighton.

With the international break over and players back on Merseyside, it is time to turn focus to the visit of Brighton on Sunday.

Andy Robertson was a notable and expected absentee from training on Thursday after injuring his ankle with Scotland, though the latest reports suggest it is not serious and he could even return to the squad for Thursday’s visit of Sheffield United.

Thankfully, the Reds otherwise emerged unscathed from the break, and in the first main session back, Klopp oversaw a 21-man outfield squad.

That, though, did not include Curtis Jones. The midfielder has missed the last eight matches with ankle ligament damage and was expected to mark his return against the Seagulls, though that will now be in doubt.

 Liverpool's Darwin Núñez (L) and Luis Díaz during a training session at the AXA Training Centre ahead of the UEFA Europa League Group E match between LASK and Liverpool FC. (Pic by Andrew Yeats/Propaganda)

 Liverpool's Darwin Núñez (L) and Luis Díaz during a training session at the AXA Training Centre ahead of the UEFA Europa League Group E match between LASK and Liverpool FC. (Pic by Andrew Yeats/Propaganda)

Ibrahima Konate was another not pictured on the training field after marking his injury return with France, though there is still plenty of time between now and Sunday’s 2pm kickoff.

Kostas Tsimikas was also missing but he is likely on an extended recovery after playing 120 minutes in Greece’s defeat in the Euros play off on Tuesday night.

Darwin Nunez, who pulled out of Uruguay’s squad with a hamstring complaint, was involved in the session, just as he was on Wednesday when a small group assembled for training.

A number of youngsters were involved in the session once again, including defender Amaro Nallo, forward Trent Kone-Doherty, and midfielders Trey Nyoni and Kieran Morrison.

There was still no Trent Alexander-Arnold or Diogo Jota, though a return within the next fortnight is being targeted by the pair – the latter of whom has been seen in individual training at the AXA.

Klopp will provide a full update on his squad when he fronts the media for his press conference on Friday (1.30pm BST).

Liverpool squad spotted in training on Thursday

 Liverpool's manager Jürgen Klopp during a training session at the AXA Training Centre ahead of the UEFA Europa League Group E match between Liverpool FC and FC Toulouse. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

 Liverpool's manager Jürgen Klopp during a training session at the AXA Training Centre ahead of the UEFA Europa League Group E match between Liverpool FC and FC Toulouse. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Defenders: Van Dijk, Gomez, Bradley, Nallo, Quansah

Midfielders: Endo, Gravenberch, Elliott, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, McConnell, Morrison, Nyoni

Forwards: Nunez, Salah, Diaz, Gakpo, Gordon, Danns, Koumas, Kone-Doherty

Not in training: Alisson, Konate, Matip, Alexander-Arnold, Robertson, Jones, Thiago, Bajcetic, Doak, Jota, Tsimikas

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Categories: LFC NEWS

Kieran Morrison: How Man United’s loss was Liverpool’s gain with Curtis Jones doppelganger

5 hours 23 min ago
With there always an eye on the next one to break through at Liverpool, the development of Kieran Morrison within the academy should be closely followed.

Liverpool are building themselves quite the Northern Irish contingent at the moment.

The rise of Conor Bradley continues, with the 20-year-old adding a first international goal to his already-significant list of accomplishments this season.

At U21 level, Trent Kone-Doherty is making steady progress. The Derry-born teenager has impressed with Barry Lewtas‘ side this season, and has regularly been spotted training with Jurgen Klopp‘s senior squad too.

Off the field, the Ulster connection remains strong too. Barry Hunter, Coleraine born and bred, is the Reds’ chief scout, while Matt Newberry is one of the club’s unsung heroes, helping bring both Bradley and Kone-Doherty, as well as the likes of Stefan Bajcetic, Bobby Clark, Ben Doak, Calum Scanlon, James McConnell and Kaide Gordon, to Merseyside.

Throw in Andy Kelly, the popular and long-serving head of academy and women’s press, and you have a healthy group emerging down at Kirkby.

The latest addition to it is an exciting one, too.

How Liverpool signed Kieran Morrison from Man United

 Liverpool's Kieran Morrison on the pitch before the FA Youth Cup 5th Round match between Ipswich Town FC Under-18's and Liverpool FC Under-18's at Portman Road. (Pic by Stephen Pond/Propaganda)

 Liverpool's Kieran Morrison on the pitch before the FA Youth Cup 5th Round match between Ipswich Town FC Under-18's and Liverpool FC Under-18's at Portman Road. (Pic by Stephen Pond/Propaganda)

In a season in which Liverpool’s academy has thrived, made headlines and produced countless magic moments, the development of Kieran Morrison has been there for all to see.

The 17-year-old, who has already represented Northern Ireland at U19 level, has been one of the standout performers for Marc Bridge-Wilkinson’s U18 side, and will now step up permanently to Lewtas’ U21s.

He trained with the senior squad at the AXA during this most recent international break, and will hope to get the chance to do so again before the end of the campaign, or at least in pre-season.

A versatile, left-footed attacking midfielder, Morrison joined Liverpool as an U14 player, having originally been spotted by Bolton Wanderers as a six-year-old and then subsequently spending eight years at Manchester United.

Despite being a Manchester lad – he grew up in Cheetham Hill and resides now in Salford – the decision to leave Old Trafford was a family one, with Liverpool viewed as the best place to develop.

 Liverpool's Kieran Morrison during the pre-match warm-up before the FA Youth Cup 5th Round match between Leeds United FC Under-18's and Liverpool FC Under-18's at Elland Road. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

 Liverpool's Kieran Morrison during the pre-match warm-up before the FA Youth Cup 5th Round match between Leeds United FC Under-18's and Liverpool FC Under-18's at Elland Road. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

The Reds have good contacts in the Greater Manchester area – the likes of Ryan Kent and James Balagizi, among others, were recruited that way – and their senior academy recruitment staff, chiefly Wayne Woods, had regularly delivered glowing reports on Morrison, who is one of five brothers and who qualifies for Northern Ireland through his grandmother.

He has certainly made an impact since arriving on Merseyside, with coaches remarking upon not only his talent, but his personality. ‘He has an edge to him’, seems to be a common consensus, but that is certainly not viewed as a negative.

Indeed, he has been compared to Curtis Jones because of the way he backs and believes in himself – not to mention the dark curly hair! – but his style of play, often starting on the right wing but cutting infield to score and create with his left foot, is reminiscent of another Reds academy product, the Fulham and Wales star Harry Wilson.

Like Wilson, or indeed Jones, Morrison is quick but not super-quick, relying more on his technique, vision and speed of thought.

What can we expect?

 Liverpool's Trent Kone-Doherty (L) celebrates with team-mate Kieran Morrison after scoring the fourth goal during the FA Youth Cup 4th Round match between Liverpool FC Under-18's and Arsenal FC Under-18's at the Liverpool Academy. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

 Liverpool's Trent Kone-Doherty (L) celebrates with team-mate Kieran Morrison after scoring the fourth goal during the FA Youth Cup 4th Round match between Liverpool FC Under-18's and Arsenal FC Under-18's at the Liverpool Academy. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Academy sources believe he will move infield as he gets older, developing into more of a creative No. 8 than a wide-man, although his form off the right flank this season has been impressive enough.

In 27 games for the U18s and U21s, he has scored 11 goals and provided seven assists.

A standout performance came in November when he netted a fine hat-trick in a 3-1 win over Middlesbrough in dreadful conditions on the back pitch at Kirkby, while his goal in the 3-0 win over Fulham in the FA Youth Cup fifth round – a 25-yard screamer into the top corner – has become something of a Morrison trademark.

He doesn’t score many tap-ins, as they say.

Speak to staff at the academy and they have been delighted with his development. He was handed the captain’s armband for the U18s recently and responded well, showing maturity and a willingness to embrace responsibility. He has previously skippered the U16s under Jonathan Robinson, who now works with Steven Gerrard at Al Ettifaq and was a big fan of Morrison’s.

 Liverpool's Kieran Morrison during the Under-18 Premier League match between Liverpool FC Under-18's and Manchester City FC Under-18's at the Etihad Campus. Man City won 3-0. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

 Liverpool's Kieran Morrison during the Under-18 Premier League match between Liverpool FC Under-18's and Manchester City FC Under-18's at the Etihad Campus. Man City won 3-0. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Having seen the likes of Jayden Danns, Lewis Koumas and Trey Nyoni all make positive steps with the first team in recent weeks, it would be understandable if there was a degree of envy or impatience on Morrison’s part.

But coaches have been keen to stress the need for him to continue his development and there have been no signs of frustration or distraction. If anything, his levels have increased.

Where he could end up, time will tell, but most at Kirkby believe that with a bit of luck and the right mindset, he has the potential and the personality to make a good career in the game.

Manchester United’s loss, it seems, is Liverpool’s gain.

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Categories: LFC NEWS

Robertson back next week & 2 more positive injury updates – Latest LFC News

6 hours 16 min ago

Three significant Liverpool injury updates have emerged from Thursday’s news, while the Reds are also said to be interested in signing a prodigious talent this summer.

Liverpool handed Robertson injury boost

 Liverpool's Andy Robertson celebrates during the Football League Cup Final match between Chelsea FC and Liverpool FC at Wembley Stadium. Liverpool won 1-0 after extra-time. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

 Liverpool's Andy Robertson celebrates during the Football League Cup Final match between Chelsea FC and Liverpool FC at Wembley Stadium. Liverpool won 1-0 after extra-time. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

The sight of Andy Robertson limping off for Scotland in midweek was concerning, but some promising news has emerged regarding the severity of his ankle injury.

The Independent‘s Richard Jolly, even suggests a return against Sheffield United could be on the cards:

“The left-back underwent scans after being forced to go off on Tuesday but they confirmed that he suffered no major damage.

“Robertson is set to miss Sunday’s home match against Brighton but could return for Thursday’s meeting with Sheffield United, and should to fit for the trip to Manchester United on 7 April.”

Other sources have indicated likewise, with an absence of ‘days’ rather than weeks anticipated.

While we can all but rule out Robertson for Sunday’s Premier League meeting with Brighton at Anfield, this has to be considered good news.

5 things today: Alisson return date & positive Matip news

 Liverpool's goalkeeper Alisson Becker during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Newcastle United FC on New Year's Day at Anfield. Liverpool won 4-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

 Liverpool's goalkeeper Alisson Becker during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Newcastle United FC on New Year's Day at Anfield. Liverpool won 4-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
  • Joel Matip has taken a major step in his recovery from an ACL injury – will we see him in a Reds shirt again?
  • Xabi Alonso wants to make a definitive decision over his future in the “next 3-4 weeks” – is he Anfield bound?
  • Klopp has been keeping a close eye on Liverpool teenager Kieran Morrison during the international break – he could have an exciting future at Anfield!
Latest Liverpool FC News

 Brian Hall, Larry LLoyd, Tommy Smith, Alec Lindsay and Ray Clemence all Liverpool, 1973 ( Peter Robinson/EMPICS Sport)

 Brian Hall, Larry LLoyd, Tommy Smith, Alec Lindsay and Ray Clemence all Liverpool, 1973 ( Peter Robinson/EMPICS Sport)
  • Former Liverpool defender Larry Lloyd has passed away at the age of 75, having made 218 appearances for the Reds. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.
  • Pep Lijnders is among the “contenders” to be Ajax’s next manager, according to reliable members of the Merseyside press. He’d be reunited with Jordan Henderson, who he recommended they signed!
  • Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha has backed Ruben Amorim to be the next Reds manager – he’s hardly going to say anything else to a loaded question.
Other chat from elsewhere

 Thursday October 26, 2023.

 Thursday October 26, 2023.
  • Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali has been charged with misconduct relating to alleged breaches of the FA’s betting rules – he is already serving a 10-month ban for gambling offences during his time at AC Milan! (BBC Sport)
  • Mauricio Pochettino says Raheem Sterling “understands” being booed by his own Chelsea fans – what a grim club they are! (BBC Sport)
What we’re watching…

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A spectacular new mural in tribute to Robbie Fowler was recently unveiled and we had the opportunity to talk to God himself.

From his nickname, to Liverpool’s next generation of players, plus the next manager and Jurgen Klopp‘s impending departure, we covered a lot of bases and Robbie was in great form.

You can easily see how much the mural means to him!

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Categories: LFC NEWS

FSG’s plans to buy new club explained – could look to South America or Europe

9 hours 24 min ago

Fenway Sports Group will expand their portfolio with the purchase of another football club, though claims over a deal to buy Toulouse have been quashed.

Despite the imminent departure of Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool owners FSG have in fact doubled down on their commitment to the club – and the sport in general.

The appointment of Michael Edwards as CEO of Football within FSG has given the former sporting director a new remit, running all football operations.

In his words, “one of the biggest factors” in Edwards’ decision to return to working with Liverpool “is the commitment to acquire and oversee an additional club.”

Earlier this week, Football Insider claimed that FSG were “exploring a deal to buy Ligue 1 side Toulouse,” currently owned by RedBird Capital, who themselves hold a stake in the ownership group.

2RWXXWW Toulouse's Thijs Dallinga, center right, celebrates with teammates after scoring his sides first goal during the Europa League Group E soccer match between Union St. Gilloise and Toulouse at the Anderlecht stadium in Brussels, Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert)

2RWXXWW Toulouse's Thijs Dallinga, center right, celebrates with teammates after scoring his sides first goal during the Europa League Group E soccer match between Union St. Gilloise and Toulouse at the Anderlecht stadium in Brussels, Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert)

However, the Liverpool Echo‘s reliable Dave Powell has brought word from “well-placed sources in the US” that Toulouse are not being targeted.

Powell went on to explain the process being overseen by Edwards, with FSG previously holding interest in Brazilian club Cruzeiro.

Buying a club in South America is described as a “viable option,” though opting for investment into another European club is “more likely.”

That is due to the increased likelihood of players brought through an additional European club having an easier route to qualify for a UK work permit, in order to eventually play for Liverpool.

2KG1J03 DOHA, 20-11-2022 Al-Bayt Stadium World Cup 2022 in Qatar between Qatar and Ecuador, final score 0-2, Ecuador player Moises Caicedo (Photo by Pro Shots/Sipa USA)

2KG1J03 DOHA, 20-11-2022 Al-Bayt Stadium World Cup 2022 in Qatar between Qatar and Ecuador, final score 0-2, Ecuador player Moises Caicedo (Photo by Pro Shots/Sipa USA)

This can also “help acclimate players from continents such as South America or Africa,” with Powell using the £111 million bid for Moises Caicedo – who Brighton signed from Ecuadorian side Independiente del Valle two years previous for £4.5 million – as an example.

In theory, FSG could use their ‘network’ to bring players from other continents through a new club in France, Portugal, Belgium or the Netherlands as a conveyor belt of talent.

Brighton and the Red Bull group may have laid the blueprint, with Jurgen Klopp himself even commenting in the past how Salzburg could target players from Asia, South America and Africa when it was “just not possible” for Liverpool.

“The Austrian rules make it a little bit easier to make transfers for these kinds of players,” he explained in 2019.

 FC Salzburg's Takumi Minamino during the final UEFA Champions League Group E match between FC Salzburg and Liverpool FC at the Red Bull Arena. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

 FC Salzburg's Takumi Minamino during the final UEFA Champions League Group E match between FC Salzburg and Liverpool FC at the Red Bull Arena. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

“For us in England it’s just not possible to get that early ahead on the kinds of players they got.

“I think when they sold Naby Keita to Leipzig, it looked like they had the next one already lined up, a similar player, stuff like this.

“They’re always prepared for these kinds of things.”

As it stands, there is no concrete information when it comes to which club FSG could buy, with “no quick decision” to be made.

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Categories: LFC NEWS

Revealed: When Xabi Alonso plans to make decision on Liverpool job

10 hours 11 min ago

It is no secret that Xabi Alonso is considered the front-runner for the Liverpool job in the summer, but his decision on the matter is only a matter of weeks away, so says one source.

The hunt for the next manager will be ongoing behind the scenes, but we know that Alonso and Sporting’s Ruben Amorim are among the favourites to take over from Jurgen Klopp.

There has been plenty said about Alonso and his future, with the German press talking up the likelihood of him joining Bayern Munich, but nothing has been decided just yet.

The Spaniard is on the cusp of delivering Bayer Leverkusen’s first Bundesliga title and any suggestions that he’s held talks are fanciful, he’s got enough on his plate.

And journalist Guillem Balague, who has connections in Spain and can be hit and miss when it comes to reliability, claims Alonso is “determined” to decide his future in the “next three to four weeks.”

Xabi Alonso is determined to choose his future in the next 3-4 weeks. Nothing is decided yet, nothing at all

First, four big games ahead to be played (Hoffenheim in the league, semis of the cup against Dusserldorf, Union Berlin in the league, quarters of the EL vs West Ham).… pic.twitter.com/areb7dGHLs

— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) March 28, 2024

It is a timeline that would still see Leverkusen have five, potentially nine games left of the season, and even that feels too early.

But Balague goes on to say that by mid to late April, Leverkusen will have played “four big games” across three different competitions, which seemingly will give him room to determine his future.

What Balague says is not farfetched, but it would not be a surprise to see a private or even public decision held off until the end of the campaign, though Liverpool will be eager to know if they are in consideration before then.

Bayern Munich have identified Alonso as a priority having already agreed to part with Thomas Tuchel in the summer, while the prospect of a future at Real Madrid remains.

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It must be said, though, that the Bayern and Real jobs come up quite often, and that Liverpool have only had 20 permanent managers since 1892 – something Alonso ought to consider.

Balague goes on to say that “the pros and cons of every team interested” in Alonso have been “considered,” and his next step will need to be one that he feels is right.

That is something that can be safely assumed, and the ball is well and truly in Alonso’s court as to whether he stays on at Leverkusen or opts for a new challenge.

Liverpool’s mission to find Klopp’s successor has been accelerated in recent weeks after the return of Michael Edwards and the appointment of new sporting director Richard Hughes, both of whom will lead the search.

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Categories: LFC NEWS

Liverpool have “keen interest” in midfielder – one of Ukraine’s “brightest talents”

11 hours 49 min ago

Liverpool are said to be showing “keen interest” in a Ukrainian midfielder who has been described as one of the country’s “brightest talents,” with Reds scouts keeping an eye on the youngster.

Georgiy Sudakov currently plies his trade with Shakhtar Donetsk, and at the age of 21 has played 91 senior matches for his club, predominantly in midfield.

According to journalist Artur Petrosyan, who is a reliable source when it comes Eastern European links, Liverpool’s scouts have been “attentively tracking” the Ukrainian over the last year.

The Reds are said to be “showing keen interest,” but they are not alone in that as Juventus and Arsenal are also claimed to be “in the race” to land Sudakov.

The Ukrainian international is a versatile midfielder who readily plays in a more advanced position, and has scored 12 goals and set up another nine in his club career to date.

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Previously, journalist Fabrizio Romano reported Shakhtar turned down offers in the region of £30-34 million in January, and for good reason as he is claimed to have a £128m release clause in the summer.

That is certainly not a fee Liverpool would pay, but the expectation is there is room for negotiation as we can all agree that is an ambitious price for an up-and-coming player.

Sudakov extended his contract until 2028 earlier this year but recently disclosed that Shakhtar’s CEO, Sergey Palkin, said a move elsewhere in Europe would be possible within the next year.

The midfielder was quoted as saying: “I agreed to extend [my contract] by six more months until winter 2028 because the previous agreement was valid until summer.

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“Palkin (Shakhtar CEO) has said I can go to Europe in six months or a year and trust him and the President.”

Liverpool invested heavily in their midfield last summer following several key departures, and while the current lack of a manager beyond this season complicates matters, the club will not be caught sleeping on transfer prospects.

Sudakov appears an option with plenty of potential, he’s already amassed 14 senior caps for Ukraine and, subsequently, the experience Liverpool look for when considering young transfer prospects.

Perhaps another player to keep an eye on, in addition to Atalanta’s Teun Koopmeiners who was recently linked, but we will see more concrete targets emerge once the club have settled the key positions off the pitch at the conclusion of the season.

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Categories: LFC NEWS

Pepijn Lijnders could take Ajax job – he recommended Jordan Henderson transfer

12 hours 24 min ago

Pepijn Lijnders is “under consideration” for the top job at Ajax having already ruled himself out of the race to be Jurgen Klopp‘s successor at Anfield.

“I’m excited to manage, I’m excited to go, to find the right club who really wants [me],” Lijnders recently explained of his future in the wake of Klopp’s departure news.

The 41-year-old has been linked to Ajax for some time now, bizarrely rumoured to another assistant role, but that was never to be on the cards.

And now, as per the likes of the Times‘ Paul Joyce and the Telegraph‘s Chris Bascombe, Lijnders is a “contender” for the vacant Ajax job.

The Dutch club currently have John van’t Schip as their interim manager, who was appointed in October, and are in a transitional period as they sit 31 points off leaders PSV.

And Ajax clearly value Lijnders’s opinion having consulted the Dutchman over the signing of Jordan Henderson in January, meaning a reunion could be on the cards in Amsterdam.

 Liverpool's Andreas Kornmayer, Vitor Matos, Jürgen Klopp, Pepijn Lijnders, Jack Robinson celebrate after the Football League Cup Final match between Chelsea FC and Liverpool FC at Wembley Stadium. Liverpool won 1-0 after extra-time. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

 Liverpool's Andreas Kornmayer, Vitor Matos, Jürgen Klopp, Pepijn Lijnders, Jack Robinson celebrate after the Football League Cup Final match between Chelsea FC and Liverpool FC at Wembley Stadium. Liverpool won 1-0 after extra-time. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

The former Liverpool captain has played nine games for Ajax to date and has worn the captain’s armband in six of them – though he has not escaped criticism during a bad run of results.

Lijnders has taken one senior management role in the past, with NEC Nijmegen in 2018, but it lasted less than five months after failing to secure promotion to the Eredivisie.

He has since established himself as Klopp’s right-hand man and has been loyal to seeing out the project alongside the German – he previously revealed he has rejected several job opportunities over the years.

The Ajax job would be a big one for Lijnders to take on as expectations will be incredibly high, but he has been insistent that his choice will be swayed by the club that “really wants” him.

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It is a decision he will make alongside his family as well as Vitor Matos, Liverpool’s elite development coach, who is expected to be named Lijnders’ assistant when the time comes.

Lijnders said back in February: “In a few months time I will sit down with my manager, now is not the time, but then I will see what kind of options I have, which club really wants [me].

“And in that moment, I will make a decision that is for me good, hopefully for Vitor what is good and hopefully for my family.”

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Categories: LFC NEWS

Joel Matip takes major step in injury recovery as Liverpool decision looms

12 hours 52 min ago

Three-and-a-half months on from a nasty ACL injury, Joel Matip took a major step in his recovery during training – as a big decision looms over his Liverpool future.

Matip was dealt a miserable blow in December as he was forced off the pitch midway through the second half of the 4-3 win over Fulham at Anfield.

The centre-back was making his 12th start of the season, but it would be his last as scans on his knee discovered damage to his ACL which required surgery.

But after increasing his workload in the gym in recent weeks, he was cleared to run around the pitches at the AXA Training Centre for the first time in over three months.

Joel Matip is, today, running for the first time,” Jurgen Klopp told fans watching an open session on Wednesday.

“How many months? Three months? Crazy, absolutely crazy.”

 Liverpool's Joël Matip during a training session at the AXA Training Centre ahead of the UEFA Europa League Group E match between LASK and Liverpool FC. (Pic by Andrew Yeats/Propaganda)

 Liverpool's Joël Matip during a training session at the AXA Training Centre ahead of the UEFA Europa League Group E match between LASK and Liverpool FC. (Pic by Andrew Yeats/Propaganda)

There is still no sign that Matip will be fit to play a part in any of Liverpool’s games in the final two months of the season.

With his contract due to expire at the end of the campaign, he is facing the very real prospect that he has played his last game for the club.

That feeling was only magnified with the news of Klopp’s resignation, with the manager having previously suggested that he would push for a new deal for his No. 32.

Whether Klopp’s successor would look to retain Matip is obviously unclear, but there was at least good news for the 32-year-old this week.

 Liverpool's Joël Matip during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and West Ham United FC at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

 Liverpool's Joël Matip during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and West Ham United FC at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Despite his injury problems, there would unlikely be a shortage of suitors if Liverpool opt against offering him a contract extension.

Matip has already been linked with a return to Germany with Eintracht Frankfurt, for example, though the credibility of those claims can be questioned.

The likelihood is that if his recovery overlaps with the end of his current terms, Liverpool would at least oversee the remainder of his rehabilitation after eight seasons on Merseyside.

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Categories: LFC NEWS

5 goals, 7 assists & 1,600+ minutes – Liverpool FC in March international break

16 hours 23 min ago

Across the international break, Liverpool’s players clocked up a combined total of over 1600 minutes, with two left-backs returning to Merseyside injured.

Andy Robertson is the notable worry, having limped off in Scotland’s game against Northern Ireland with an ankle injury.

Loanee Owen Beck was the other player to return, as a groin injury prevented him from playing any part of Wales’ Euros-qualifying playoff matches.

Here is a quick look at how the Reds’ internationals got on throughout the March break.

Minutes played

2J1HGP2 Bucharest, Romania. 25th Mar, 2022. Kostas Tsimikas #21 of Greece and Pantelis Hatzidiakos #17 of Greece during the Friendly match between the national teams of Romania and Greece at Steaua Stadium in Bucharest, Romania. 25.03.2022. Photo: Copyright 2020, Credit: Cronos/Alamy Live News

2J1HGP2 Bucharest, Romania. 25th Mar, 2022. Kostas Tsimikas #21 of Greece and Pantelis Hatzidiakos #17 of Greece during the Friendly match between the national teams of Romania and Greece at Steaua Stadium in Bucharest, Romania. 25.03.2022. Photo: Copyright 2020, Credit: Cronos/Alamy Live News

Thankfully, there were just three Liverpool players who played the full amount of minutes possible for their national sides this break.

Kostas Tsimikas‘ two-legged Euros playoff ended in disappointment as his Greece team were upset on penalties by Georgia – the left-back didn’t take a spot-kick.

Tsimikas – 210
Van Dijk – 180
Szoboszlai – 180
Bradley – 173
Diaz – 156
Robertson – 127
Gomez – 103
Kelly – 99
Gakpo – 97
Konate – 90
Kelleher – 90
Mac Allister – 77
Endo – 32
Jaros – 0

Under 21s:
Elliott – 164
Koumas – 115
Miles – 90
Quansah – 90
Morton – 90

Under 20s:
Chambers – 102
Gordon – 65
Clark – 34

Under 18s:
Danns – 209
Nallo – 192
Nyoni – 77

Goals

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Conor Bradley managed his first senior international goal with this brilliant effort against Scotland, the only goal of the game. Whisper it quietly but this may have taken a deflection – we’re giving Bradley credit, though.

Szoboszlai – 2
Mac Allister – 1
Bradley – 1
Koumas – 1

Assists

That pass from Harvey Elliott was pure filth. #EnglandU21 #England #Luxembourg pic.twitter.com/93VBQeSP0r

— David Randall? (@DavidJRandall) March 26, 2024

Cody Gakpo put in a strong performance, setting up former-Red Gini Wijnaldum for his second assist in a 4-0 win over Scotland.

Luis Diaz‘s dribble and cross for Colombia’s winner against Spain was special and showed the immense talent he possesses on the ball.

Gakpo – 2
Elliott – 2
Morton – 2
Diaz – 1

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Categories: LFC NEWS