Liverpool manager Arne Slot has delivered a significant update on his squad's fitness, offering a triple boost ahead of Saturday's Premier League trip to face Tottenham Hotspur. The Reds head to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium looking to extend their unbeaten run, but must navigate a lengthy absentee list.
Key Returns Bolster Midfield and Defence
The most encouraging news surrounds midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai, who is in line to feature against Spurs. Slot confirmed the Hungarian has returned to training, indicating that if he completes his final sessions without issue, he is expected to start. This would be a major lift for Liverpool's engine room.
Defensive options have also been strengthened. Jeremie Frimpong is back in full training following a muscle injury and is available for selection. Furthermore, Conor Bradley returns to the squad after serving a one-match suspension, providing crucial reinforcement at right-back.
Positive Scan for Gakpo, But Gomez Ruled Out
There was promising news regarding attacker Cody Gakpo. Recent scan results showed his injury is less severe than first feared. While he will miss the next two fixtures, his return to the pitch is now anticipated to be sooner than original estimates.
However, the update on defender Joe Gomez was less positive. He has been ruled out of the Tottenham clash after being forced off last weekend. His absence is a blow, particularly as he had been covering the right-back position effectively.
Significant Absences and Salah Departure
Despite these boosts, Slot confirmed that seven first-team players remain unavailable due to injury. The confirmed list includes Wataru Endo, Giovanni Leoni, Stefan Bajcetic, Jayden Danns, and Kaide Gordon.
Furthermore, the team faces its first match without star forward Mohamed Salah, who has departed for international duty with Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations. Addressing the recent public discussion about their relationship, Slot stated, "I said last week, actions speak louder than words. We moved on, he was in the squad and was first sub."
Liverpool approach the fixture on the back of a five-game unbeaten streak across all competitions. Slot emphasised that the final decisions on returning players will hinge entirely on fitness and medical clearance, stating the criteria is simply: "If they are fit and the medical staff say they are fit, then they are starting."
