Irons duo turn up training ground heat

Issa Diop chomping at the bit for a return

Issa Diop and Said Benrahma are pushing hard for inclusion in the team which meets Fulham at the London Stadium this weekend.

Our reports from the training ground are that both players are working furiously hard to impress the boss who has made it clear many times in the past what he expects of the squad.

His mantra “If you don’t run, you don’t play” has been heeded strongly by a squad where the improvement as a result has been strongly marked over the start of the season.

Diop – having proved positive for Covid earlier – has played only once this season – against Arsenal – but is making his presence felt in a big way as he presses for the in-form Fabian Balbuena’s place .

Benrahma – having expressed his delight at wearing the shirt for the first time at Liverpool, albeit for only a couple of minutes or so, is also getting up to speed according to backroom staff.

He probably has more chance than Diop of seeing action unless injury hits Balbuena with the manager less inclined to replace defenders than forward players.