Arne Slot has raised concerns over fitness issues within Liverpool’s squad as they prepare for a crucial Premier League clash with Chelsea this Sunday.
The Reds will host the Blues at Anfield, with a 4:30 pm BST kick-off, marking the resumption of their league campaign after the international break. However, the Liverpool manager is still unsure about which players will be available for the highly anticipated game.
During his pre-match press conference held on Friday morning, Slot provided an update on the current fitness situation within the team, revealing some significant challenges, particularly with players returning from international duty. One of the biggest blows to Liverpool is the absence of goalkeeper Alisson Becker, who is expected to be sidelined for several weeks due to an injury he picked up during their 1-0 victory against Crystal Palace before the international break.
Alisson’s Absence: A Major Setback
Slot began by confirming that Alisson, a key figure in Liverpool’s defensive setup, would not be available for the upcoming matches. The Brazilian goalkeeper has been in fine form this season, playing a crucial role in securing points for the Reds in multiple games. His absence is undoubtedly a significant setback for the team. “Alisson is for sure not with us in the upcoming weeks, that’s clear,” Slot explained. “It’s a blow for him and for us because he has been exceptional this season, just as he has been for many years at the club.”
Despite the disappointment, Slot expressed confidence in backup goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, who is expected to step up in Alisson’s absence. Kelleher has proven himself in previous seasons, delivering strong performances whenever called upon. Slot reaffirmed his trust in the young goalkeeper, stating, “The good thing is, as I’ve said many times before, Caoimhin has done really well for us over the last few years. He has been solid this season too, so we have a reliable replacement. But, of course, you always want all of your players available, especially in big games like this.”
Fitness Concerns After International Break
Slot went on to discuss the fitness of several players who have recently returned from international duty. The manager revealed that there are ongoing assessments being made to determine the availability of key players ahead of Sunday’s game. While some players missed matches during the international break, it remains unclear whether they will be fully fit in time for the Chelsea fixture.
“We’ve got quite a few issues with players returning from their national teams,” Slot said. “Today is the first day we’ve had them all back together, and it’s also the first time they’ll all train together again. We can only make a final judgment after today’s training session to see where everyone is in terms of fitness.”
Slot then provided updates on specific players, beginning with Alexis Mac Allister. The Argentine midfielder missed one of Argentina’s games during the break but played in the second match. Slot acknowledged Mac Allister’s importance to the team, stating, “Macca missed one game for Argentina, but he played the second one. We’ll have to see how he feels after training today.”
Another concern is left-back Kostas Tsimikas, who was unavailable for Greece’s first match against England but played in their second international fixture. Tsimikas has been a valuable asset for Liverpool, particularly in providing cover for Andy Robertson, and Slot is keen to ensure that he’s ready for the challenge against Chelsea. “Kostas missed the first game for Greece, so we’ll need to see how he is as well,” Slot commented.
Additionally, midfielder Wataru Endo was struck by illness during the international break, casting doubt over his availability for Sunday’s match. Slot acknowledged the situation, stating, “Endo was also sick, so we’ll have to assess his condition before making any decisions.”
Managing a Busy Schedule
Slot’s cautious approach to player fitness is understandable given the demanding schedule Liverpool faces. With both Premier League and Champions League fixtures looming, ensuring the health and readiness of key players is essential for maintaining consistent performances across all competitions. The manager highlighted the challenges of managing a squad during such a busy period, especially when many players are involved in international fixtures, which can add to the physical strain.
“Managing the squad during international breaks is always tricky,” Slot explained. “Players come back with varying levels of fitness, some are dealing with injuries, and others might be fatigued from long flights or tight match schedules. We have to be smart about how we handle these situations.”
The Importance of Squad Depth
Slot also emphasized the importance of Liverpool’s squad depth, noting that injuries and fitness concerns provide opportunities for other players to step up. The club has invested heavily in building a strong squad capable of competing on multiple fronts, and Slot is confident that the depth of talent at his disposal will help Liverpool navigate this challenging period.
“We’ve built a squad that can cope with these kinds of challenges,” he said. “While it’s never ideal to have players injured or unfit, it does give other players a chance to show what they can do. We’ve got a lot of talent in this squad, and I trust the players to step up when needed.”
Looking Ahead to Chelsea
As Liverpool prepares for the match against Chelsea, Slot remains optimistic despite the fitness concerns. He acknowledged the quality of the opposition but stressed that his team is ready to compete. Chelsea has been in strong form under the management of Enzo Maresca, and their position in the top four highlights the challenge they will pose at Anfield.
“Chelsea is a very strong team, and they’ve been playing well this season,” Slot admitted. “But we’re at home, and we’ve got the quality to compete with anyone. It’s going to be an interesting game, and we’ll be ready for the challenge.”
Slot’s focus remains on ensuring that his team is as prepared as possible for Sunday’s match, and he is hopeful that the fitness issues within the squad will not significantly impact their performance. With the final training session yet to take place, decisions on the starting lineup will be made closer to kick-off.
“We’ll know more after today’s session,” Slot said. “It’s always a balancing act when players return from international duty, but I’m confident we’ll put out a strong team on Sunday. It’s going to be a tough game, but we’re looking forward to it.”
As Liverpool returns to Premier League action, all eyes will be on how they manage the absence of Alisson and whether key players will recover in time to face Chelsea. The result of Sunday’s game could have significant implications for both teams as they aim to establish themselves among the Premier League’s top contenders.
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