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Liverpool team news: Mane and Lovren train after injury, Salah all smiles ahead of Napoli
LIVERPOOL have received a fitness boost ahead of their crunch Champions League clash with Napoli at Anfield tomorrow (8pm).
Liverpool stars Sadio Mane and Dejan Lovren were both pictured training alongside their team-mates ahead of a vital meeting with Napoli.
The Reds require a 1-0 win over their Italian opponents or victory by two clear goals in order to progress to the Champions League knockout stages.
And Jurgen Klopp’s side stand a much better chance of achieving their goal now that Mane and Lovren are both nearing a return to full fitness.
Mane missed last week’s 3-1 win over Burnley with a cut foot but made a return to action off the bench during the 4-0 victory at Bournemouth.
The Senegalese winger is now expected to start against Napoli after training alongside the rest of the Reds squad under the lights at Melwood.
Meanwhile, Lovren has been sidelined with concussion in recent weeks and faces a late fitness test before tomorrow’s fixture.
Joe Gomez has been ruled out for six to nine months after suffering a lower left leg fracture, meaning a spot is available in central defence alongside Virgil van Dijk.
Joel Matip deputised there in Liverpool’s past two matches, although Klopp may recall Lovren if the Croatian is passed fit.
The 29-year-old was seen enjoying a joke with Mohamed Salah, who he has struck up a firm friendship with since the Egyptian joined the club.
Salah came in for criticism for his lack of celebrations when scoring a hat-trick against Bournemouth on Saturday, but the flying winger was grinning from ear to ear in training.
Nathaniel Clyne was also spotted taking part in the session after being sidelined against the Cherries while Adam Lallana has been passed fit despite suffering a nasty cut to the head last time out.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to feature at right-back, having been rested at the weekend, and looked in high spirits.
The Reds are currently top of the Premier League after Manchester City suffered a surprise 2-0 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
However, Klopp’s side are currently third in Champions League Group C following away defeats against Napoli, Red Star Belgrade and Paris Saint-Germain.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Klopp said: “Now we have the chance to go through and that is pretty special after the campaign we played so far.
“Now we have to create a special atmosphere with the way we play and we have to use it as well.
“I am really looking forward to it. It is a big opportunity for us and we will try everything to put it right.”