Liverpool are missing two players.
The Reds jetted off to Austria over the weekend to begin their mini-summer training camp before the Community Shield tie with Arsenal on the 29th.
Two faces were conspicuously absent for the trip to the outskirts of Salzburg where Jurgen Klopp and the Reds will begin training in earnest after a much needed fortnight holiday break for players and staff.
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Harry Wilson remained behind with niggling injury issues as has been reported by Paul Gorst, of the Liverpool Echo.
There was some concern that Wilson might have remained behind due to the sell-on prospect that has been hinted at over the summer. Apparently, there is an issue with both players and they’ve been instructed to remain behind to work on individualized rehab training to get back to match fitness on their own.
Both players are expected to be fit for the up-coming Community Shield fixture at Wembley Stadium.
Klopp has taken Marko Grujic to Austria for the camp and there is speculation that this is the gaffer’s last look see at the player before he is sold on to a German suitor. Hertha Berlin, where the midfielder spent two seasons on loan, were forced out of an option when Liverpool made it clear neither Wilson or Grujic would be sent out on loan again.
More from Rush The Kop
- Darwin continues to find footing match by match
- LFC can build major momentum with a West Ham win
- Important takeaways from Liverpool’s LASK win
- The Europa League is not a punishment for Liverpool
- Which players can take advantage of Europa League chance?
There has been reported interest in Grujic from his loan club Hertha, who are thinking about making a permanent bid for the midfielder.
Another possible destination could be Schalke. The club, reported Connor Dunn of the Echo, are seeking to sell American midfield talent Weston McKennie this summer to make room for Grujic. This just makes no sense whatsoever from my thinking, and what I know of McKennie. I wish Liverpool had the wherewithal to do a straight swap with Schalke with Grujic for Weston.
He is a complete footballer with great midfield dribbling and passing skills. And he is perfectly suited to play Klopp and Liverpool’s style of heavy metal football. He also started out as a fullback, and has good defensive skills and sense. He is quick afoot and has great acceleration.
It is quite possible he is looking for greener pastures to continue his development since playing the last three seasons as a starter for the lackluster mid-table Royal Blues.
The drawback here is Grujic qualifies as a homegrown talent, and McKennie isn’t. Which must be considered for the 25 man squad rule regarding homegrown/hometrained young talent.
Due to this rule; I do not see Liverpool selling either Wilson or Grujic this summer, unless of course someone makes a reasonable offer to the club. Both have been valued by the Reds at around £20m.
Further word on the Thiago summer saga/drama continues to stand by Liverpool’s steadfast claim of no interest at this time.
Speculation went viral and completely ran amok off the rails on Sunday when it was reported that the Reds had a deal and Alcantara had purchased a home in Merseyside.
Undoubtedly the rumors will continue in fine fashion as there is little else from the transfer market at the moment that sparks the restless imaginations of fans and twitter followers, like this Thiago rumor.
Hats off to Sadio Mane who has been named PFA Fans’ Player of the Year. With Jordan Henderson picking up the Sports Writers version, and Trent Alexander-Arnold getting the Young Player of the Year award, this is quite respectable for the team to have three winners – which has been capped it all off with Klopp’s manager of the year prize.