Image Credits: Imago Images
Liverpool prepare to host Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield this Saturday, although Arne Slot would have likely wanted a little longer break to sort out all the mess at the club. The buildup to the match has been dominated by uncertainty surrounding star man Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian forward’s availability for the clash has been thrown into serious doubt after his explosive post-match comments following Liverpool’s 3-3 draw with Leeds United. According to reports from TalkSport, Salah is unlikely to feature in the matchday squad against Brighton after being left on the bench for three consecutive Premier League matches. The 33-year-old’s relationship with manager Arne Slot appears to have deteriorated significantly, with Salah claiming he felt “thrown under the bus” by the club and suggesting the Brighton game could potentially be his last at Anfield before departing for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Liverpool’s board have backed Slot fully in the matter, with the club believing the manager should have complete autonomy over tactical decisions. Salah, who signed a new two-year contract extension until 2027 last April, has struggled this season with just five goals and three assists in 19 appearances across all competitions. The forward has not scored in the Premier League since his strike against Aston Villa on 1 November. While Liverpool grapple with their own internal issues, Brighton arrive at Anfield carrying a lengthy injury list that has tested manager Fabian Hurzeler’s squad depth throughout the campaign.
Kaoru Mitoma – doubt
The Japanese winger remains sidelined from what was initially described as a “small injury” picked up during Brighton’s 3-1 victory over Chelsea on 28 September. Mitoma has now missed nine consecutive league matches with an ankle problem. After returning to training earlier this month, the 28-year-old suffered another setback.
James Milner – doubt
The veteran midfielder, who faces his former club Liverpool, continues to battle a muscle injury that has kept him out since late October. What Hurzeler initially described as a “minor hamstring injury” in August has evolved into a prolonged absence lasting nearly three months.
Yasin Ayari – doubt
The Swedish midfielder missed Brighton’s 1-1 draw with West Ham last weekend after suffering a muscle strain. Hurzeler indicated before the West Ham match that there was “definitely a chance” Ayari could be available, though he ultimately did not feature. The 21-year-old is considered a doubt for the Liverpool clash.
Adam Webster – out
The 30-year-old central defender is facing an extended spell on the sidelines after suffering a knee ligament injury during Brighton’s pre-season training camp in Marbella. Webster underwent surgery and is expected to miss a substantial portion of the season.
Solly March – out
The English winger underwent another operation to clean up his knee after complications from a second major ACL injury suffered in October 2023. Although he has been spotted in training, Liverpool likely comes to soon for March according to the Sussex Express.
Stefanos Tzimas – out
The 19-year-old Greek forward suffered a serious knee injury during Brighton’s 4-3 defeat to Aston Villa at the beginning of December and faces months on the sidelines. Hurzeler confirmed the teenage striker is expected to be out “long term” with the injury occurring during his full Premier League debut. The exact nature of the injury has not been officially confirmed, though speculation suggests it could be a meniscus problem.
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