Updated on: October 11, 2024 5:19 am GMT
Liverpool FC is gearing up for their Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, but the team will face some challenges due to injuries. Head coach Arne Slot provided updates on key players during a press conference at the AXA Training Centre, shedding light on the fitness statuses of Federico Chiesa, Harvey Elliott, and Alexis Mac Allister as the team seeks to secure a fourth consecutive league victory.
Injury Updates and Player Availability
As Liverpool prepares to return to league action, the injury updates reveal a mixed picture for the squad. Harvey Elliott, who has been a promising player early in the season, will be sidelined for six to eight weeks due to a fractured foot. This injury is a significant setback for both Elliott and the team, as he was expected to play an integral role in the upcoming fixtures.
Harvey Elliott’s Situation
- Elliott’s absence represents a considerable loss for Liverpool, especially since he had shown excellent form during pre-season training.
- Slot emphasized that Elliott’s injury not only affects the player personally but also the team dynamics, as availability becomes crucial during a congested schedule featuring seven games in just 22 days.
Despite this setback, Slot remains optimistic, stating that injuries create opportunities for other players to step in and make their mark.
Federico Chiesa’s Potential Debut
Another significant development is the potential debut of Federico Chiesa. The Italian forward, who recently joined from Juventus, has been training with the squad and is in contention to play. Slot noted that Chiesa has participated in three to four training sessions and expressed a desire to evaluate his performance before making any final decisions.
- While Slot acknowledged Chiesa’s training progress, he also pointed out the depth of the squad, mentioning that he has over 20 players to consider for selection.
- Although it is uncertain whether Chiesa will start against Nottingham Forest, his addition to the squad could provide a valuable boost.
Alexis Mac Allister Readiness
Slot also addressed the status of Alexis Mac Allister, who had recently missed training due to commitments with the Argentine national team. Fortunately, Slot confirmed that Mac Allister returned to training with Liverpool and is expected to be available for selection against Forest.
- Mac Allister’s return is anticipated to fortify Liverpool’s midfield options, especially alongside impressive performances from players like Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai.
- Slot emphasized the importance of having a robust squad as they navigate a challenging fixture schedule.
Squad Overview for Nottingham Forest Match
As Liverpool approaches the match against Nottingham Forest, the team is generally in a positive position regarding player availability. Aside from Elliott and Jayden Danns, who remains a long-term absentee due to a back injury, the squad is largely fit.
Full Squad List
Here’s a breakdown of available players for the upcoming match:
Goalkeepers | Defenders | Midfielders | Forwards |
---|---|---|---|
Alisson | Van Dijk | Mac Allister | Salah |
Kelleher | Quansah | Szoboszlai | Jota |
Jaros | Konate | Endo | Nunez |
Davies | Gomez | Gravenberch | Diaz |
Alexander-Arnold | Jones | Gakpo | |
Robertson | Morton | Chiesa | |
Bradley | Nyoni | ||
Tsimikas |
Looking Ahead
With the international break behind them, Liverpool is eager to maintain their winning momentum. The match against Nottingham Forest promises to be a crucial fixture in their campaign as they aim for continuity in performance.
This weekend, Slot will have to make some important choices about which players to pick for the Liverpool game. He needs to think about injuries and how well the players are doing. This match is a great chance for some players who don’t usually play much to step up and help the team win.