The World Cup might be entering its crunch period but Liverpool are getting down to serious business of their own in the Middle East this week.
While the likes of Jordan Henderson, Virgil van Dijk, and Alisson Becker continue their quests for international glory, Jurgen Klopp is putting the rest of his squad through their paces in Dubai in preparation for the second half of the Premier League season.
The 33-man squad has already been out on the training pitch today. Here's some things we spotted from the session.
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Naby Keita stepping up for return to match action
Liverpool's struggles in midfield this season have been glaringly obvious, so the return of Naby Keita can not come quick enough. After returning to the training pitch yesterday, he was back out there today looking happy and fully integrated with the main sessions.
Keita's only appearance all season came in the last five minutes of the Community Shield against Manchester City, but his seemingly imminent return could be like a new signing for Liverpool in January, if he can keep himself off the treatment table.
Young keepers given thorough work-out
Alisson Becker could be three games away from World Cup glory, but while he keeps goal for Brazil, his understudies are hard at it in Dubai. Third-choice stopper Adrian was given a thorough work-out in the session and was joined by young emerging talents Harvey Davies and Fabien Mozrek.
Doak staking his claim
Another Liverpool youngster hoping to make an impression in Dubai is Ben Doak. The 17-year-old, who was recently awarded his first professional contract has already made his first team debut after impressing in the UEFA Youth League and U18s set-up since his move from Celtic.
The exciting attacker will be one to watch when Liverpool face Lyon in the Dubai Super Cup on Sunday and should he continue his rapid progress during the tour, he could turn out to be the Reds' surprise package in the second half of the season.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in the mix
Another midfielder who has been largely absent this season is Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, but after figuring against Derby County in the EFL Cup and playing the last quarter of an hour of the Reds' 3-1 victory against Southampton, he is seemingly now ready to kick on for the second half of the season.
Oxlade-Chamberlain looked relaxed and focused as he joined in today's session and, like Keita, can provide a much-needed extra body in midfield and attack when the season resumes, as the Reds continue to fight on all four fronts.
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