Liverpool injury update as Curtis Jones takes part in open training ahead of Real Madrid clash

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Liverpool have held an open training session before their Champions League fixture.The Reds take on Real Madrid in one of the biggest games of their season so far, with Trent Alexander-Arnold returning to Anfield for the first time since leaving.Liverpool will need to be on top form if they are to get anything from this clash, with Arne Slot hoping to have all his best players available.Join our newsletter for news & smart analysis. The open training session gives fans the chance to see who might be available for this one and they can be a pretty telling sign, with it now more obvious as to which two players will and will not be in with a chance of some minutes.Photo by Nikki Dyer – LFC/Liverpool FC via Getty ImagesCurtis Jones returns to training, Alexander Isak still outLiverpool have had their fair share of injury issues at the start of the season, with Slot rarely having a full squad available to choose from.However, he is at least getting a little closer to having more options, with Curtis Jones spotted in open training as per journalist Ian Doyle.

Jones was one of Liverpool’s best players against Brentford despite the result, but has been out since with a knock.This is a good sign for the Reds as it suggests he might be fit enough to make the bench, although someone who looks like he is not is Alexander Isak.The Swede picked up an adductor injury during Liverpool’s win over Eintracht Frankfurt, failing to make the squad ever since.READ MORE: Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah have proven Wayne Rooney’s ‘lazy’ comments so wrong This would suggest he is also out for this game, a huge blow given that he was brought in for occasions like this.Hugo Ekitike will start vs Real Madrid while Curtis Jones will likely start on the benchIsak’s absence means that it is almost nailed-on that Hugo Ekitike will lead the line for the Reds, with this nothing but deserved given his impact.The Frenchman has been one of Liverpool’s best players so far this season, with this now his chance to prove himself against the very best. As for Jones, he will likely start on the bench due to it being a bit risky to put him straight in, especially as there is no need to given the options they have.Alexis Mac Allister looked back to his best against Aston Villa, suggesting it is the Argentine who should get the nod anyway.