Takumi Minamino trains with Liverpool team-mates for the first time as Jurgen Klopp prepares his squad for Sheffield United clash... but January arrival will not be able to feature against Blades
- Takumi Minamino will officially be Liverpool's newest player on January 1
- He was pictured in training for the first time with his new team-mates
- He won't be available against Sheffield United, but could face Everton
Jurgen Klopp put new signing Takumi Minamino through his paces on Tuesday night as he prepares the Japanese attacker for life at Liverpool.
Minamino will officially join Liverpool on January 1, but Premier League rules mean he won't be available for their match against Sheffield United on New Year's Day.
Even so, it is thought he will be thrown into first team action as soon as possible, and he was pictured training alongside his new team-mates for the first time at Melwood.
![New Liverpool signing Takumi Minamino took part in his first Liverpool training session](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2019/12/31/19/22850666-0-image-a-21_1577819712358.jpg)
New Liverpool signing Takumi Minamino took part in his first Liverpool training session
![Minamino has already been given a warm reception from his new Liverpool team-mates](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2019/12/31/19/22850672-0-image-a-22_1577819716062.jpg)
Minamino has already been given a warm reception from his new Liverpool team-mates
![Jurgen Klopp has brought in Minamino to bolster his options during a busy period of games](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2019/12/31/19/22850670-0-image-a-23_1577819719802.jpg)
Jurgen Klopp has brought in Minamino to bolster his options during a busy period of games
Minamino looks to have been given a warm welcome by his team-mates so far, as he was pictured having a laugh with goalkeeper Adrian and the Liverpool players applauded as he came out for training.
Rules state that players signed on January 1 or 2 can't be included in the squad for Matchweek 21, ruling out the Japanese star for Liverpool's game against the Blades.
However, he could be included for Sunday's FA Cup game against Everton, and it's possible he will make his Premier League debut against Tottenham on January 11.
![Klopp has also recalled Nathaniel Phillips from loan at Stuttgart to strengthen his squad](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2019/12/31/19/22850750-0-image-a-24_1577819732145.jpg)
Klopp has also recalled Nathaniel Phillips from loan at Stuttgart to strengthen his squad
![Phillips plays as a centre-back, and has made 10 appearances in Germany this season](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2019/12/31/19/22850752-0-image-a-25_1577819736549.jpg)
Phillips plays as a centre-back, and has made 10 appearances in Germany this season
He is joining from Red Bull Salzburg, and the move was confirmed on December 19 when Liverpool triggered his £7.25million release clause.
The 24-year-old has been widely praised by Klopp ahead of his arrival, with the Reds boss backing him to make an immediate impact.
'He's already really good,' he said. Everyone could see when we played Salzburg. But still [there is] potential there to become even better.
'It's not a competition, it's just to have different options in different moments and the door is wide open that Taki can come in the team.'
Klopp has also recalled Nathaniel Phillips from his loan at Stuttgart to bolster his defensive options, and the 22-year-old was also pictured in training, and in the dressing room being given a quick hug by his boss.
![Liverpool are clear at the top of the Premier League as we head into the new year](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2019/12/31/19/22850678-0-image-a-26_1577819738987.jpg)
Liverpool are clear at the top of the Premier League as we head into the new year
![Minamino will be joining a potent attacking force, as Liverpool look to solidify their lead](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2019/12/31/19/22850668-0-image-a-27_1577819742318.jpg)
Minamino will be joining a potent attacking force, as Liverpool look to solidify their lead
Most watched Sport videos
- Fitness experts distinguishes between NRL and Olympic athletes
- Rebeca Andrade reacts to Simone Biles' bow to her after winning gold
- Fans react to Ellie Aldridge winning gold in kitesurfing at Olympic
- Olympics commentator corrected after misgendering USA shot put star
- Letslie Tebogo delivers savage remark after winning gold
- Noah Lyles' Olympic rival speaks out after the 200m final
- IShowSpeed is challenged to a race by Polish Olympic sprinting star
- Awkward moment Anthony Ammirati gets his crotch stuck on crossbar
- Paris 2024 Olympics: Day 11 highlights
- Olympian boxer makes 'controversial' gesture
- OnlyFans Olympian Alisha Newman shows off pole vault outfit choices
- Adorable footage of a tiny Simone Biles at junior competition