Liverpool manager Arne Slot has issued an injury update as his squad prepares for a pivotal stretch of fixtures.
With the Reds sitting atop both the Premier League and Champions League standings, injuries to key players threaten to disrupt their impressive form.
Key Players Sidelined – Alisson and Diogo Jota Out
Slot confirmed in a pre-match press conference that goalkeeper Alisson Becker and forward Diogo Jota are unlikely to recover in time for Liverpool’s pivotal Champions League clash against Real Madrid.
Up to now, Liverpool have managed fairly well without the key duo, but their return would still be a huge boost ahead of a crucial run of fixtures ahead.
While their replacements – namely Caoimhín Kelleher and Darwin Nunez – have stepped up admirably, their prolonged absences will test Liverpool’s depth further.
"Trent {Alexander-Arnold} is not training but will be back soon, Alisson is getting better but not ready" 🗣️
Arne Slot provides a fitness update on a number of Liverpool's key players 🔴 pic.twitter.com/SwcsY5c2oH
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) November 22, 2024
Trent Alexander-Arnold Could Return
In more optimistic news, Slot hinted that right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold might make his comeback soon, though he wasn’t certain on an exact timeline.
“The last week is always tricky,” Slot explained. “It’s difficult to judge, so I cannot say if it will be one or two or three days.”
Virgil van Dijk and Harvey Elliot Declared Fit
Elsewhere in the latest Liverpool injury update, Harvey Elliott is confirmed to have returned to full fitness, which provides Slot with more options in the engine room.
Meanwhile, captain Virgil van Dijk, who appeared to pick up a minor issue during international duty, is expected to feature in the weekend’s Premier League match against Southampton.
The Reds face a packed schedule with a Premier League showdown against reigning champions Manchester City and a Champions League clash with title-holders Real Madrid.
Before those massive fixtures, they will travel to St. Mary’s on Sunday to take on a struggling Southampton side currently rooted to the bottom of the table.
Arne Slot says Alisson not training with team yet and not ready to play v Southampton. Trent Alexander-Arnold not in training yet, Virgil van Dijk is fit, Harvey Elliott training again.
— paul joyce (@_pauljoyce) November 22, 2024
