Liverpool head coach Arne Slot provided crucial fitness updates ahead of their Premier League encounter against Southampton on Sunday. The Reds are keen to resume their strong form with a demanding schedule looming, including games against Real Madrid and Manchester City.
Slot’s remarks shed light on key players’ fitness statuses and the potential challenges the team faces. Liverpool restarted their campaign after securing 15 victories from 17 matches in all competitions, disrupting the early predictions of many pundits.
The Reds have conceded 10 goals in those 17 games, showcasing a mean defence while their attackers cumulated 39 goals. The incredible winning consistency allowed Liverpool to reach the top of the Premier League and the Champions League table altogether.
However, there is plenty of room for improvement and Liverpool cannot let complacency derail their early efforts. At the same time, they have to deal with any injury issues while ensuring the players return fully fit.
Speaking in the pre-match press conference (via Liverpoolfc.com), Slot confirmed that Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk is ready to lead. He said:
“Virgil is all good. He is training with us today.”
The Dutch head coach provided an update on each unavailable senior player as we looked into their replacements-
Alisson Becker still sidelined
Alisson Becker remains unavailable as he recovers from a hamstring injury he sustained before the October international break. Slot shared cautious optimism about the Brazilian goalkeeper’s progress as Liverpool cannot afford a recurring issue in such cases-
“We are careful with everyone, especially when it comes to muscle injuries. But he is back in training with the goalkeeper coach. He is not training with the team yet, but that is expected to be done soon, and then let’s wait and see where he is in terms of match fitness. But he is getting better and better, but not ready to play [on] Sunday.”
In Alisson’s absence, Caoimhin Kelleher has excelled between the posts since the end of the October international break. Kelleher has delivered solid performances for the Reds during the critical period, demonstrating calmness under pressure.
The 25-year-old maintained a clean sheet against RB Leipzig, Bayer Leverkusen and Aston Villa during the fixture congestion. His performances for the Republic of Ireland during the November international break further cemented his reputation.
Kelleher made crucial saves for his country which included a penalty save, showcasing his sharp reflexes and game awareness. The 25-year-old will play a crucial role in the upcoming fixtures with an opportunity to solidify his claim as the first-choice for this season.
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s ongoing recovery
Trent Alexander-Arnold‘s absence continues to pose a challenge for the Reds, although his recovery is progressing. Liverpool’s vice-captain left the pitch early against Villa, with Slot expressing optimism about his potential return. He said:
“Trent isn’t training with us yet, but he is getting there so we expect him to be back with us soon.”
In the 26-year-old’s absence, Conor Bradley is a direct replacement to continue his journey towards the first-team role. Bradley’s performances for Northern Ireland have been encouraging during the November international break with a goal to his name.
The 21-year-old suits Slot’s style of play with abilities parallel to Trent’s, capable of going invert or running down the byline. Slot will hope Bradley can replicate his international form for Liverpool against Southampton, providing defensive assurance and attacking support.
Harvey Elliott returns to training.
Harvey Elliott’s return to training is a significant boost for Liverpool despite the other midfielders enjoying a rich form. However, the 21-year-old brings creativity, drive, and impact that Liverpool has sorely missed in his absence.
Slot confirmed his return to the conference, highlighting the positive aspect of the news. He said:
“Harvey is training with us again so that’s the positive thing, he has been out for many weeks but he is on the training ground again with the team. So, that’s a positive thing for him.”
Elliott’s return adds competition in midfield, especially for Dominik Szoboszlai and in-form Curtis Jones while he can play as Mohamed Salah’s deputy. Szoboszlai has struggled to make consistent contributions for Liverpool, though his standout performances for Hungary provide hope.
On the other hand, Curtis Jones remains in fine form, increasing pressure on Szoboszlai to deliver. While it is highly unlikely that Elliott will participate against Southampton, Liverpool fans are hoping that he will recreate his last season’s form.
Diogo Jota and Federico Chiesa progress slowly
Slot revealed Diogo Jota and Federico Chiesa are still working towards full fitness, though both are making slow progress. He said:
“Jota is still apart from the group, same as Federico, who is coming back into the session maybe in one exercise today.”
Luis Diaz’s recent display as a central forward against Bayer Leverkusen has offered flexibility in Jota’s absence. Diaz thrived in the number nine role in that game, scoring a fantastic hat trick to justify Slot’s faith.
The 27-year-old’s performance ensures competition for Darwin Nunez while maintaining Liverpool’s attacking threat and giving a different option according to the opposition. Nevertheless, Jota needs to prove his longevity once he returns to full fitness as the recurring injury issues are his perennial problem.
Preparation for Real Madrid and Manchester City
The clash against Southampton comes before a critical week featuring Madrid and Manc City. Slot provided a realistic timeline for injured players’ availability. He said:
“So, for me it is difficult to judge now and to tell you now if it is going to be one, two or three days or a bit longer. The only thing I can say is that with Alisson and with Jota, I don’t expect them to be available for that game. With Trent, it’s going to be in between.”
Liverpool must navigate these fixtures carefully if key players remain unavailable, taking one game at a time. This period will test the squad’s depth more than the post-October international break did.
