Inter Milan 0-1 Liverpool: Arne Slot press conference
Liverpool and Brighton injury news ahead of the Premier League clash at Anfield.
Liverpool will aim to make it five matches unbeaten when they welcome Brighton & Hove Albion to Anfield on Saturday (15.00 GMT).
Arne Slot knows that the pre-match build-up will be dominated by one subject - whether or not Mo Salah will be involved. The winger gave a bombshell interview after last weekend’s 3-3 draw against Leeds United that he had been ‘thrown under a bus’ and that ‘someone doesn’t want me’ at the club. Having been named on the bench for a third successive match, he also claimed that he had no relationship with head coach Arne Slot.
The Reds now need to put a run of form together in the Premier League. After winning the title last season, their defence has been meek and is over before Christmas. Liverpool trail leaders Arsenal by 10 points and have a battle to finish in the top four. They currently sit 10th in the table.
Brighton are two places and one point above Liverpool. The Seagulls are a highly capable outfit, as proved by beating Chelsea and Newcastle United this campaign, and will have six days’ rest following their 1-1 draw against West Ham.
Ahead of the game, here’s a look at the early team news for both sides.
Liverpool team news
Cody Gakpo - out
The forward suffered an injury in last weekend’s clash against Leeds United. Slot has confirmed that Gakpo will be sidelined for a ‘few weeks’.
Jeremie Frimpong - out
The summer signing from Bayer Leverkusen is still recovering from a hamstring problem. He has yet to return to training and will need time to build up his fitness.
The right-back picked up a fifth Premier League yellow card against Leeds. According to The FA's disciplinary rules, any player who earns five bookings from their side's first 19 Premier League matches of a season so he must serve a one-match suspension.
Giovanni Leoni - out
The centre-back won’t play again this season after rupturing his ACL. Leoni is on the long road to recovery.
Stefan Bajcetic - out
The midfielder is still to make an appearance this campaign as he recovers from hamstring surgery he had in the summer.
Jayden Danns - out
The well-regarded striker is recovering from a hamstring problem of his own. There are hopes that Danns could be back in action in the new year.
Federico Chiesa - doubt
The forward had to miss the Inter game because of illness. Much will depend on how he recovers.
Wataru Endo - doubt
The midfielder was a surprise absence against Inter. There has not been a great level of detail behind his omission but Endo could well be unavailable once again.
Mo Salah - doubt
Slot and Liverpool have to decide whether to bring Salah back into the fray. After the Inter game, Slot did suggest that the Egypt international should apologise before a return is considered.
Brighton team news
Adam Webster - out
The defender suffered a serious knee injury during pre-season and he is still several months away from making a return to action.
Stefanos Tzimas - out
The striker sustained a knee injury in a 4-3 loss to Aston Villa last month and is set to miss a significant period.
James Milner - doubt
The former Liverpool vice-captain has not played for around six weeks. He will get a grand reception if he is available.
Kaoru Mitoma - doubt
The tricky winger has been on the sidelines for around two months because of an ankle issue. Mitoma is getting closer to fitness and he could be back in the squad.
Solly March - doubt
The homegrown midfielder is back in training having not played for seven months. Brighton will have to make a call as to whether March is ready to be part of the match-day squad or needs longer.
Yasin Abbas Ayari - minor doubt
The midfielder has missed the Seagulls’ past two games. He was close to being available for the West Ham game so could make a squad return.
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