FeatureFive things we spotted at the AXA Training Centre on Thursday

Friends reunited

In the immediate aftermath of their 3-0 win at Old Trafford, many of Arne Slot’s squad scattered around the world to represent their national teams.

Eleven days later, the players reconvened ahead of the resumption of the club season, with the Reds seeking to continue their perfect winning record in the Premier League against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

And there were plenty of smiles on show as teammates and staff greeted each other warmly before getting down to work with their ‘matchday minus two’ workout.

A boss message for Trent

Trent Alexander-Arnold returned home having enjoyed a productive international break.

Liverpool’s vice-captain started, and indeed starred in, both of England’s matches: 2-0 victories over the Republic of Ireland and Finland respectively.

That didn’t go unnoticed back at his club, either, with Slot hugging Alexander-Arnold as their paths crossed near the canteen and saying: “Man of the Match two times! Well done.”

Curtis returns

Curtis Jones did not feature in the Reds’ first three matches of the campaign, with the midfielder an unused substitute at Ipswich Town before missing the wins over Brentford and Manchester United through injury.

But the Scouser joined his teammates in Thursday’s workout and appears on course to be available for the meeting with Forest.

Sharp shooters

A shooting drill undertaken by Federico Chiesa, Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez featured some impressive finishing from the attacking trio.

Led by assistant coach John Heitinga, the players practised off both feet and looked sharp while doing so.

The routine also featured several fine saves by goalkeeper Harvey Davies, with one stop to deny Chiesa being appreciatively applauded by the Italian.

No-look keepy-ups

Alexander-Arnold, Luis Diaz and Dominik Szoboszlai showed off their skills with an impromptu game of no-look keepy-ups.

Naturally, they made it look effortless, too. See for yourself in the clip below.