Liverpool’s preparations for one of the biggest fixtures of the Premier League season have been boosted by fresh doubts over several Everton players.
Everton training update raises questions ahead of derby
As reported by Liverpool World via official Everton training images, three names were absent from sessions at Finch Farm this week.
Centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite continues his recovery from a hamstring complaint, while Ukrainian defender Vitalii Mykolenko has also not been spotted since returning from international duty with a groin problem.
In addition, Adam Aznou, a 19-year-old signed from Bayern Munich, has yet to make a senior Premier League appearance and is unlikely to be trusted from the start.
That means James Garner, more naturally a midfielder, may continue filling in at full-back.
This comes at a crucial time for David Moyes, who has overseen an improved run with the Blues unbeaten in their last four league matches.
However, his personal record at Anfield remains poor. In 20 attempts across different clubs, the former Manchester United boss has never claimed a victory at our ground.
Liverpool clean bill of health boosts Arne Slot
The contrast could not be clearer at Anfield. Our head coach Arne Slot confirmed before the Atletico Madrid game that Curtis Jones was close to returning to training, meaning the squad could be at full strength for Saturday’s early kick-off.
Alexander Isak, who became the most expensive signing in British football when we brought him in for £125 million from Newcastle United, played 58 minutes against Atletico in midweek.
The Swedish forward is still building fitness, but our boss admitted he has been pleasantly surprised by the striker’s condition and expects him to play a role again at the weekend.
Liverpool’s perfect start to the league campaign has been built on late winners and defensive resilience, with Virgil van Dijk sealing a dramatic victory over Atletico in the Champions League.
That mentality will be tested again on Saturday, as we look to extend our dominance in the derby and continue our title defence.
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Fingers crossed the weather lays off causing a postponement.
Sad that Moyesy’s got quite a few players out too. I’m the one who are playing will give their all. Branthwaite being out (for now) looks the only real concern for them.
Grealish has given the BN’s some confidence recently. The RB will have to be on alert.
Hopefully MacA, Virgil and one of two others won’t need ankle armour this time😃😃😃!
It has all the signs of a close one given current defensive concerns…