Liverpool manager Arne Slot received both a double boost and a double blow in Tuesday's training session ahead of the visit of Bologna in the Champions League.
The Dutchman takes charge of his first European home match for Liverpool on Wednesday evening, as the Reds endeavour to replicate their 3-1 success over Bologna's Serie A rivals AC Milan on the opening day.
Since coming from behind to defeat the Rossoneri at San Siro, the in-form hosts have also progressed to the fourth round of the EFL Cup and leapfrogged Manchester City to top the Premier League table after six games.
Liverpool made it 15 points from a possible 18 with a 2-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at the weekend, although Slot lost Andy Robertson to a heavy tackle from Carlos Forbs late on.
The Dutchman expressed hope that the left-back's problem was nothing more than a knock, though, and Robertson was seen in training with the rest of the group on Tuesday morning, suggesting that he will be available for the visit of Bologna.
Darwin Nunez trains as Federico Chiesa, Diogo Jota absent
#UCL preparations 📸🌟 pic.twitter.com/3TntQXLpv4
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 1, 2024
Robertson was actually dropped to the bench for Liverpool's win in Milan on matchday one, although his deputy Kostas Tsimikas was partially culpable for Christian Pulisic's early opening goal.
As well as Robertson, Darwin Nunez - who missed the win over Wolves due to illness - was among those taking part in the session, meaning that the Uruguayan should be fine to face the Rossoblu.
Nunez's return comes at an opportune time, as Slot was unable to call on either Diogo Jota or Federico Chiesa for Tuesday's training session, and The Athletic claims that the former is nursing a foot injury.
The Portugal international reportedly sustained the issue at Molineux on Saturday evening, and while his absence was mostly precautionary, he will continue to be assessed before Wednesday's game.
It is unclear why Chiesa was missing from the training session, but the former Juventus man has only been involved in fits and starts since his summer arrival and was an unused substitute at the weekend.
What changes could Slot make for Bologna clash?
© Imago
Jota's fresh foot problem and Nunez's recovery from an infection could very well see Slot make a straight swap in the final third, as the South American comes in to lead the line against Vincenzo Italiano's side.
Nunez could be one of two new faces in the final third for Liverpool, as Cody Gakpo - who set up Dominik Szoboszlai's goal in Milan and scored twice in the EFL Cup win over West Ham - is pushing to replace Luis Diaz.
However, Chiesa was never expected to earn a start over Mohamed Salah, who could become the first-ever Liverpool player to score in five successive home games in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
While Liverpool put three points on the board on matchday one, Bologna were held to a goalless draw by Shakhtar Donetsk, where goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski saved a fourth-minute penalty from Georgiy Sudakov.
Ben Knapton
