Liverpool have made an impressive start to the Arne Slot era and headed into the October international break as Premier League leaders.
Nine wins from ten at the start of the Dutchman’s reign is not to be sniffed at but the Reds’ fixtures get significantly tougher in the run up to Christmas. As a result, Slot will be keen to have as many first-teamers available as possible heading into the hectic winter period.
As things stand, Liverpool’s treatment room is fairly empty, certainly in comparison to some of their rivals. However, there are still fitness concerns on Merseyside that will have Slot worried.
Here is the latest Liverpool injury news.
Alisson may be one of the most talented goalkeepers on the planet but he’s also one of the most injury-prone. The Brazilian is facing another significant spell on the sidelines after sustaining a hamstring injury during the 1-0 win over Crystal Palace before the international break.
Alisson was withdrawn during the match and is now looking at six weeks on the treatment table, with a late November return date pencilled in for the time being.
Harvey Elliott
Harvey Elliott suffered a foot fracture with England’s Under-21s during the September international break and has been absent ever since. While he is edging closer to a return, he’s unlikely to feature for the Reds until mid-November.
Speaking about Elliott’s absence in September, Slot said: “Harvey is of course a big disappointment for him but also for us. Okay, he didn’t play that much in the first three games but he played a lot in pre-season and showed himself really well.
“If he had stayed fit he would have had a lot of playing time in the upcoming fixtures, but now it gives a chance to someone else.”
Wataru Endo
Wataru Endo has found minutes hard to come by under Slot despite impressing in his debut season but he earned a run out with Japan over the international break. He featured in the 2-0 win over Saudi Arabia but missed the subsequent draw with Australia through illness.
It remains to be seen if Endo will be well enough to at least make the bench this weekend against Chelsea, but he may not be an enormous miss for Slot if unavailable.
Alexis Mac Allister
Alexis Mac Allister had Liverpool fans sweating when he came off at half-time with a groin injury during the victory at Selhurst Park. The midfielder did then team up with Argentina over the break despite concerns over his fitness.
However, Mac Allister featured in Argentina’s most recent 6-0 win over Bolivia, playing over an hour of the clash. He will be available for Chelsea’s visit on Sunday afternoon.
Federico Chiesa
Federico Chiesa was the highlight of a quiet summer for Liverpool but the Italian is yet to earn too many minutes in a red shirt. Slot has been careful with his introduction and a recent injury has left him sidelined for victories over Bologna and Palace.
While Slot hasn’t revealed the exact nature of his injury, he has confirmed Chiesa should return to the fold relatively soon.
“I’m not expecting him to be out for a very long period of time,” said the Dutchman prior to the Palace clash.
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