Five things spotted in Liverpool training on eve of Champions League final

Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool have been training ahead of their game against Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid this weekend with both sides aiming to add another Champions League trophy to their cabinet

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Jurgen Klopp previews Champions League final

Liverpool geared up for Saturday night’s Champions League final against Real Madrid with a pre-match training session at the Stade de France.

Jurgen Klopp’s side are aiming to secure their third trophy of the season having already won the EFL and the FA Cup. The Reds have enjoyed a brilliant campaign even though they missed out on the Premier League title on the final day, with Manchester City pipping them by a point.

Meanwhile, Carlo Ancelotti’s side are looking to complete the double after lifting the La Liga title. They finished 13 points above Barcelona in the table and are vying to be crowned European champions for a 14th time with victory in Paris.

Both sides trained on Friday afternoon in preparation for the all-important final. So, with that mind, here are five things learnt from Liverpool’s session as Klopp and Co. stepped out at France’s national stadium.

Thiago and Fabinho in training

There were doubts over whether the Liverpool duo would make this weekend’s game due to injury. Fabinho has not featured since the 2-1 win at Aston Villa on May 10 and missed the FA Cup final, while Thiago was taken off at half-time in the final-day clash with Wolves.

However, both were spotted training with the Liverpool squad in Paris. The pair appeared to be running with ease as they warmed up in the sunshine. This is positive news for the Reds, who could be with both midfielders for the game. The likes of Jordan Henderson, Naby Keita and James Milner are also in the squad.

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Van Djik looking sharp

Another possible injury doubt for Liverpool is Virgil van Djik, who was an unused substitute in their victory over Wolves last weekend. He has not played a minute since the FA Cup final, missing the 2-1 win at Southampton and their final league game of the campaign.

But the Dutch international looked in fine shape when training with his team-mates. Van Djik, who injured his knee against Chelsea a fortnight ago, was sprinting with Ibrahima Konate and Andrew Robertson and it seemed as though he came through unscathed, which comes as more positive news for Liverpool fans.

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Salah ready for revenge

This is more than just another final for Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian is seeking revenge for the 2018 Champions League final, where he was taken off during the first half with a shoulder problem after a coming-together with Sergio Ramos.

He has not forgotten about the incident and tweeted “we have a score to settle” after it was confirmed Liverpool would take on Real Madrid in the final. The 29-year-old looked typically focused when training and will no doubt be motivated to win his second Champions League winners’ medal.

Positive mood

The mood inside the Liverpool camp seemed upbeat despite the pressure leading up to such a huge game. The Reds can become the joint-second most successful team in European Cup and Champions League history alongside AC Milan with seven titles if they manage to beat Real Madrid.

But Klopp’s side were in high sprits and looked as though they were enjoying themselves in the French capital as they played a game of ‘no bounce’. Liverpool will need to take that confident mindset into the match as they try to add another trophy to their cabinet.

Oxlade-Chamberlain joins amid transfer interest

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has been linked with a move away from Liverpool this summer with the midfielder struggling for regular game time at the Reds. The 28-year-old has made just 16 starts in all competitions this season and has not made a Premier League appearance since February.

However, the former Arsenal ace has travelled with the Liverpool squad and is training with the group ahead of the game. The Reds have reportedly put Oxlade-Chamberlain up for sale and he could be able to leave the club for a fee in the region of £10million, with Aston Villa and West Ham United interested. He cannot let that be a distraction, however, as he may yet have a part to play in the final.