19yo defender Lucky trains with Liverpool first team before UCL clash against Real Madrid

Liverpool manager Arne Slot promoted tri-national defender Wellity Lucky to first team training on Monday, on the eve of their UEFA Champions League meeting with Real Madrid, allnigeriasoccer.com reports.

Lucky, who is eligible to represent Nigeria, England, or Spain at international level, was spotted training alongside senior players at the club's AXA Training Centre, according to the Liverpool Echo.

The 19-year-old centre-back received his maiden first-team call-up during the recent Carabao Cup fixture against Crystal Palace, where he made his senior debut by coming off the bench for the final twenty-three minutes.

Although Lucky is not listed in Liverpool's official Champions League squad, he remains eligible to feature in the competition as an U21 player who has been registered with the club for over five years.

While a place in the matchday squad cannot be completely ruled out, his chances of featuring in such a high-profile encounter appear slim, with established defenders Ibrahima Konaté, Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez currently ahead of him in Slot'S pecking order.

This season, Lucky has made eleven appearances for Liverpool's teams, including his first senior outing against Crystal Palace last week .

Meanwhile, promising forward Rio Ngumoha was also involved in Monday's training session and is expected to be named in the matchday squad to face Los Blancos. 

Against Real Madrid, Egypt international Mohamed Salah is aiming to become the first African to reach the landmark of 50 goals in the Champions League.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit: liverpoolfc.com 

Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com