Liverpool head coach Arne Slot will be hoping to name his strongest matchday squad possible now the summer transfer window has closed
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot acknowledges the fans
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has several players to add into his plans
(Image: Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Liverpool entered the September international break in such a strong position it would seem almost impossible that they would emerge in any better shape. In truth, they are about to, as Arne Slot can call on a number of reinforcements with perfect timing.
The reigning Premier League champions began their title defence with wins over Bournemouth and Newcastle United - a 100 per cent winning record that was matched by only Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal after the first couple of weekends of the season. Thomas Frank's side then fell to defeat before Dominik Szoboszlai's sublime free-kick ended the Gunners' perfect record when they visited Liverpool.
Sitting top of the table led nicely into the September break which is now coming to an end, with the matches about to arrive thick and fast for Slot and Co.
READ MORE: Liverpool star supported by teammates after emotional update - 'I am also responsible'
Before the next set of internationals, the Reds must face rivals Everton and Chelsea, plus they have the beginning of both their Champions League and Carabao Cup campaigns to consider. Up first, though, is a trip to Burnley.
When the Premier League team news is announced 75 minutes prior to kick-off at Turf Moor, the first name fans will go searching for is Alexander Isak's. The striker became the British-record transfer on deadline day last week, moving from Newcastle United for £125m.
He has barely kicked a ball in anger over the past three months so patience is going to be required with Isak - it may mean he doesn't fit straight into Slot's starting XI. But, a player of that calibre simply can't be left out of any occasion and he has a big role to play in Liverpool's short-term and long-term future.
Another signing who is hopeful of entering the squad this weekend is Jeremie Frimpong. He was the first Reds star to succumb to an injury as he exited the season curtain raiser vs Bournemouth on the hour mark, but it is promising to see the full-back return to training in the days before the next league game.
Jeremie Frimpong and Alexander Isak.
Jeremie Frimpong and Alexander Isak could both feature in Liverpool's squad to face Burnley
Similar could be said of Stefan Bajcetic, who was not spotted in group training on Wednesday but was seen running outside and kicking a ball.
The young midfielder required surgery on a hamstring issue sustained towards the end of his loan spell with Las Palmas last season. He might not be ready just yet for Slot's squad, but when he is the Spaniard could soon easily fit into the squad role vacated by Tyler Morton, who left to join Olympique Lyonnais this summer.
A player who was involved in team training, however, is Jayden Danns. The 19-year-old has proven himself capable of scoring goals at a senior level before a loan to Sunderland in the second half of last season did not go to plan because of a back injury.
Slot saw several attacking players leave over the course of the summer transfer window - Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, Ben Doak. Of course there has been heavy investment in Isak and Hugo Ekitike, while Rio Ngumoha has emerged as a brilliant teenage prospect, but that does not mean there is no opportunity for Danns to showcase what he can offer for the squad.
The Carabao Cup clash against Southampton on September 23rd could be his best chance for a game, provided it is not needed for Isak to build up his fitness.
Lastly, a player yet to be named in any competitive matchday squad so far this season is Trey Nyoni. The midfielder put pen to paper on a long-term contract this summer but has not been able to break into Slot's plans fully since - a fact that could change when European and cup action begin again.
Nyoni has proven himself to a useful, Swiss Army Knife player when given the opportunity in pre-season. That could be extremely handy for a boss juggling multiple stars through multiple competitions.
Content Image
Content Image
For the latest news and breaking news, visit liverpoolecho.co.uk/all-about/liverpool-fc. Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.
Follow us on Twitter @LivEchoLFC - the official Liverpool ECHO LFC Twitter account - for all the latest LFC news as it happens in real time.
We're also on Facebook/LiverpoolEchoLFC - your must-see LFC news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day from the Liverpool ECHO.
Listen to our podcasts by searching for 'Blood Red' wherever you get your podcasts.