Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has a decision to make ahead of Community Shield clash against Arsenal at Wembley.
Trent Alexander-Arnold could feature in Liverpool's Community Shield clash with Arsenal – but Klopp remains without a host of senior first-team players as he aims for further silverware.
The Premier League champions take on the FA Cup holders in the traditional curtain-raiser to the new season on Saturday at Wembley (kick-off 4.30pm).
Alexander-Arnold missed the recent training camp in Austria and didn't feature in Liverpool's two warm-up friendlies, instead staying on Merseyside to work on fitness after suffering a minor injury complaint.
And a late decision will be made on the right-back, although Virgil van Dijk is available despite being forced off in Tuesday's 2-2 draw at Red Bull Salzburg with a cut above his right eye.
“Trent, very close, we have to make a decision about tomorrow,” said Liverpool boss Klopp, speaking on Friday afternoon.
“Virgil looks fine. He doesn't look good because he has the cut, but apart from that he should be fine.”
The game has come too soon for Jordan Henderson and Joel Matip, who both missed the closing weeks of last season with knee and foot problems respectively but should return to full training next week.
Xherdan Shaqiri and Harry Wilson are hopeful of following suit, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is slowly stepping up his recovery from a knee injury.
“All the (other) boys who were not involved so far or got slight knocks in pre-season will not be available for tomorrow, but (are) getting closer, really closer, closer and closer,” added Klopp.
“Hopefully the majority of them can start training completely normal after the Arsenal game, but this game is now a bit too early for them. Maybe one or two (will be) involved in the squad, we have to see.
“That’s it pretty much. Hendo and Joel looking really good, on a good way. Ox, early stages but good. Shaq, good. Harry looks good.”
Rhian Brewster scored twice against Salzburg as a second-half substitute having netted from the bench in the 3-0 win over Stuttgart last weekend.
And Klopp has confirmed the 20-year-old, who notched 11 times in 22 appearances on loan at Championship side Swansea City earlier this year, will be involved at Wembley.
“We will have to see what will happen in the next few weeks,” said the Reds boss when asked about the future plans for the striker. “We want to use Rhian and help him as well. We have to make decisions, but not now.
“He is still a young boy. As a number nine experience helps a lot. We have to see how we give him experience, whether it's here or somewhere else. There's no need for us to rush anything.
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“For now he is here and will be involved tomorrow in the squad.”
This article was most recently revised and updated 4 years ago
