Liverpool welcome MASSIVE return to training: But no Alexander Isak

Liverpool take on Real Madrid this week in a gigantic UEFA Champions League clash. Here's the latest from their training session.

Liverpool go into their meeting with Real Madrid having won their last fixture. That's certainly an advantage - though, the Reds' recent form is still two wins from eight.

But beat Real Madrid and suddenly the form doesn't really matter. It would be a statement win and the sort that shows how form is temporary and that this is simply a Liverpool team figuring things out.

No one can deny that the potential in this squad is enormous. The Reds just need things to click together in such a way that they can demonstrate it and the confidence from beating Real Madrid would go a long way to doing that.

However, things aren't that simple. Liverpool are battling some injury problems right now, with Giovanni Leoni out for the season. Jeremie Frimpong isn't expected back for another few weeks, either, while Alisson Becker is in the same boat.

They weren't the only ones missing from the weekend's win over Aston Villa, though. And Liverpool's final training session on Monday was a look at who might have made it back.

Liverpool welcome Curtis Jones back

Curtis Jones did train with Liverpool on Monday after missing the Villa game. It appears he's back in contention to face Real Madrid - a massive boost after Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai all played 90 minutes.

Arne Slot will not want the trio playing a full 90 again if he can avoid it. Jones's return makes life an awful lot easier in that regard and the Scouser may even start at Anfield.

He's been in great form, after all. Jones was fantastic against Eintracht Frankfurt, controlling the game in midfield alongside Szoboszlai.

What is a blow, though, is Alexander Isak missing training. It seems he's out of the Champions League game - even if there had been a bit of hope that he'd return.

That leaves Hugo Ekitike as the lone striker in the squad. It's an awful lot of pressure not just to perform but also to remain injury-free.

A tough one for Liverpool, then. Jones returning is undoubtedly a major boost for the squad but Isak's absence certainly weakens them.

🔴 Shop the LFC 2025/26 adidas home range

👉🏻 Liverpool have a NEW right-back and he's the best in the world

👉🏻 Marc Guehi is COMING: Liverpool will agree deal to sign England star

👉🏻 Liverpool legend's son is now an elite centre-back