Arne Slot has received two very welcome Liverpool injury boosts that could prove decisive in the Premier League title race. The Reds are currently runaway league leaders but missed the opportunity to extend their lead this past weekend when their Merseyside Derby against Everton was called off due to Storm Darragh.
Though they were not in action, only one point was made up by their title rivals this weekend, with Arsenal and Manchester City both drawing away games while Chelsea beat Tottenham 4-3. The Gunners were again without Riccardo Calafiori and Gabriel Magalhaes due to injury.
There is hope, however, that both defenders can return soon, with Arsenal next in action on Wednesday as they welcome Monaco to Emirates Stadium for a Champions League clash.
As for Pep Guardiola's side, fresh injury blows are seemingly a regular occurrence, with Nathan Ake and John Stones joining the likes of Mateo Kovacic and Rodri on the list of absentees. Rico Lewis will also miss next weekend's Premier League clash against Manchester United due to suspension.
While both Arsenal and the champions are still being battered by injuries, Liverpool now appear to be receiving the opposite. On Monday, Diogo Jota and Alisson were spotted back in full training at Melwood ahead of the Champions League trip to Girona.
Only Alisson has been included in the travelling squad to Spain; however, Jota remains in Liverpool despite the fact that both appeared at the same stage of rehabilitation on Friday ahead of the planned Saturday lunchtime clash against Everton.
In their absence, Caoimhin Kelleher and Darwin Nunez have featured, with Luis Diaz also deployed through the middle while Cody Gakpo was deployed on the left. Kelleher had been doing a superb job in his absence but was at fault for Newcastle's equaliser in the thrilling 3-3 Premier League draw last week.
Despite looking set to welcome back two key players, Slot was handed a triple injury blow in quick succession at the end of November. Ibrahima Konate, Kostas Tsimikas and Conor Bradley all picked up issues and look unlikely to play again in 2024.