Ahead of their crucial matches, both Liverpool and Juventus are facing key player absences. Liverpool saw Trent Alexander-Arnold return to training, but Alisson Becker remains sidelined, adding uncertainty to their preparations. Meanwhile, Juventus are in a difficult spot, with only 14 first-team players available for their Champions League clash against Aston Villa. The Bianconeri are also missing star striker Dusan Vlahovic due to injury, while midfielder Weston McKennie has joined the growing list of absentees. Despite these setbacks, both teams are pushing forward with their preparations for the upcoming fixtures.
Liverpool: Alexander-Arnold Trains, Alisson Absent
Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold trained with the team ahead of their Champions League clash against Real Madrid.
The full-back has been sidelined since suffering a hamstring injury in the first half against Aston Villa on November 9.
However, he took part in open training on Tuesday, fueling optimism that he could be available for the Real Madrid match or, more likely, the Manchester City game at Anfield on Sunday.
Forward Federico Chiesa, who has dealt with fitness issues since his late August transfer from Juventus and hasn’t played in two months, also rejoined the group after a brief individual warm-up.
However, left-back Kostas Tsimikas was still missing, having been unavailable for Sunday’s win at Southampton because of an ankle injury, and will probably be sidelined for a short time.
Alisson Becker, who has been out for eight matches due to a hamstring issue, was not with the goalkeepers despite returning to individual training last week.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk stated that the two Champions League final losses to Real Madrid offer no added motivation as the Reds get ready to face the Spanish giants once more.
The 33-year-old Dutch defender has been defeated by Real Madrid four times, including in the 2018 and 2021 finals, where many felt Liverpool were the superior team on both occasions.
Even when Liverpool took control, leading 2-0 within the first 14 minutes of their home quarter-final in February 2023, Real Madrid responded with five goals to complete the comeback.
That’s why they remain such a formidable opponent and why Van Dijk doesn’t have two additional Champions League winners’ medals to complement the one he won in 2019.
“If you lose two Champions League finals, I think that is very, very painful,” he said.
“I’ve never won against them in my time at Liverpool or as a football player.
“They always found a way to win against us in the past, and it was tough. They have a great boss and great players, and it won’t be any different on Wednesday.
“I’m not that kind of guy who needs extra fuel, extra pain, in order to be better. If you need extra motivation for a Champions League game against Real Madrid, then there is something wrong.
“I don’t sense that whatsoever from the team. I know myself. I am really looking forward to it, and hopefully, we can make it a special night together with our fans.
“I think if we win, we will qualify for the knockouts, so there are so many good things at stake. Hopefully, we can make it.”
Juventus Train with Just 14 First-Team Players Ahead of Villa Match
Juventus are facing a tough challenge as they gear up for their crucial Champions League clash with Aston Villa. This morning’s training session at Continassa showed a thin squad, with just 14 outfield players taking part.
The key absence is star striker Dusan Vlahovic, who has yet to recover from the muscle injury that ruled him out of Saturday’s Serie A match against Milan. His absence is a major setback for Juventus, as he is the team’s top scorer this season.
Compounding Motta’s troubles, USMNT midfielder Weston McKennie has also been added to the injury list. McKennie missed Monday’s training session and was absent from the pitch this morning.
Despite these challenges, Juventus are pressing on with their preparations for the vital Round 5 Champions League match. The team is scheduled to depart for Birmingham later today.
Manager Thiago Motta is set to announce his squad later today, ahead of a pre-match press conference at Villa Park.
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