Need to know
Liverpool boss Arne Slot has provided an update on the fitness of several Reds stars as Liverpool face Spurs at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday
Arne Slot speaking ahead of Tottenham vs Liverpool
Arne Slot speaking ahead of Tottenham vs Liverpool(Image: @LiverpoolFC/Youtube)
All you need to know as Arne Slot addresses the media ahead of Liverpool's trip to Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday evening with the Reds sweating on the fitness on several key players
Szoboszlai availability: Midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai is likely to feature in the squad for Saturday's trip to Tottenham after returning to training. Slot indicated that if the player completes his final training sessions comfortably, he is expected to start.
Joe Gomez's absence: Defender Joe Gomez has been ruled out of the upcoming fixture against Spurs after being forced off last weekend. His absence is a blow to the defensive line, especially as he had recently been covering the right-back position.
Positive Gakpo update: Attacker Cody Gakpo received promising scan results this week, revealing his injury is less severe than initially feared. While he will miss the next two games, he is now expected to return to the pitch earlier than the original estimates suggested.
Right-back reinforcements: Liverpool's defensive options have been bolstered by the return of Jeremie Frimpong to full training following a muscle injury. Additionally, Conor Bradley is available for selection again after serving a one-match suspension.
Total absentees: Despite some returning players, Slot still has seven members of his squad currently unavailable due to various injuries. This list includes Wataru Endo, Giovanni Leoni, Stefan Bajcetic, Jayden Danns, and Kaide Gordon.
Mohamed Salah departure: The team faces its first challenge without star forward Salah, who has left for international duty. He will be representing Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations, leaving a significant gap in the Reds' attack. On the recent drama between the two, Slot said: "I said last week, actions speak louder than words. We moved on, he was in the squad and was first sub."
Unbeaten streak: Liverpool enter the Spurs clash on the back of a five-game unbeaten run across all competitions. They are looking to extend this positive momentum despite the roster challenges posed by the current injury list.
Slot's training criteria: The manager emphasised that player fitness and medical staff approval are the deciding factors for starting returning players. Slot said: "Gakpo, had a scan that looks promising, so we're not that worried anymore that we were a few weeks ago. He will come back early but not tomorrow or next week. Gomez not in the squad. Szoboszlai trained yesterday, parts, so let's see how he is today. Frimpong back in the squad."
Read the full story here:Arne Slot confirms Liverpool injury boost for Tottenham trip but seven players unavailable.