Liverpool return to Premier League action on Saturday as they look to end a five-game winless run after an impressive Champions League performance in midweek.
The Reds eased to a 3-0 win over Marseille in France on Wednesday, leaving them on the brink of a top-eight finish in the league phase and direct qualification for the last 16. Arne Slot will hope that form carries into the weekend, with Liverpool having drawn their last four league matches in the race for the top four.
Slot reported no new injury concerns for Liverpool ahead of Saturday’s trip to Bournemouth, although Federico Chiesa remains a doubt. The forward was named on the bench for Wednesday’s Champions League win over Marseille but withdrew during the warm-up after picking up a knock.
Chiesa will be assessed to determine whether he can travel to the Vitality Stadium. With just over a week left of the January window, Liverpool are yet to make a major signing, amid speculation linking Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven and ongoing uncertainty surrounding Mohamed Salah’s future.
Tottenham have also made an official bid to sign Liverpool defender Andy Robertson. Elsewhere, Al-Ittifaq have officially completed the signing of former Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli.
The Italian had been a free agent since leaving Genoa at the end of last season and had attracted interest from MLS and Liga MX clubs, but remained unattached. Balotelli has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with the Dubai-based side, marking the 14th club of his career.
Balotelli rose to prominence at Inter Milan, winning the treble under Jose Mourinho in 2010 before joining Manchester City. His sole Premier League assist famously set up Sergio Aguero’s title-winning goal in 2012, but he later fell out with Roberto Mancini and returned to AC Milan.
He joined Liverpool in 2014 but endured a difficult spell, scoring four goals in 28 appearances. The 36-cap Italy international later enjoyed a three-year stint at Nice and has since had short spells across France, Italy, Switzerland and Turkey.
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