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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Hannah Pinnock

Four things spotted from Liverpool training as Diogo Jota remains a doubt for Carabao Cup final

Liverpool were back in training on Friday afternoon as they prepare for the Carabao Cup final on Sunday.

The Reds face Chelsea in the Wembley showpiece and will hope to secure their first piece of silverware for the season.

However, Liverpool face a handful of fitness concerns with Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino both currently absent through injury.

Here's what we spotted in the training session this afternoon.

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Still no Jota

Diogo Jota was once again absent from training as he recovers from a ligament injury sustained during the Champions League win over Inter Milan.

While the forward hasn't been ruled out of Sunday's match at Wembley, he's still yet to return to team training with the squad and remains a major doubt.

Assistant boss Pep Lijnders said of Jota's chances on Friday : "So far no reaction on the things he has done, the straight line running, change of direction and the ball work he has done.

"That's a good sign. He isn't ruled out but it still will be a challenge."

Firmino has been ruled out of the game as he continues his recovery from a muscular problem.

Midfield decisions

It was Harvey Elliott that missed out on squad selection against Leeds United midweek, with Curtis Jones lining up at Anfield for the Premier League clash.

Elliott was in training on Friday, along with Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, Thiago, Jones, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita and James Milner.

With all of his midfield options ready and available for Sunday, the Liverpool boss faces a tough decision on who starts against Chelsea.

Young goalkeeper trains

Caoimhin Kelleher will start the Carabao Cup final as Jurgen Klopp confirmed earlier this week.

Very few academy stars took part in the training session at the AXA Training Centre on Friday, but one who did take part was 19-year-old Jakub Ojrzynski.

He trained alongside senior goalkeepers Kelleher, Adrian and Alisson Becker.

Joe Gomez recalled

Another notable absentee from the squad on Wednesday night was defender Joe Gomez.

The England international deputised at right back last weekend when the Reds beat Norwich 3-1 at Anfield.

However, he didn't make the cut midweek as Trent Alexander-Arnold returned to the starting line-up.

Gomez was back in training and all smiles on Friday as he took part in the session in Kirkby, but with the majority of the squad and available for Sunday, he must show patience as we enter the business end of the season.

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