Liverpool boss Arne Slot finds himself navigating choppy waters ahead of their return to Premier League action this Sunday against Southampton.
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While the Reds have enjoyed a blistering start to the season, sitting comfortably at the top of the table with a five-point cushion, a growing injury list threatens to complicate their upcoming fixture.
The latest concern for Slot is Trent Alexander-Arnold, who limped off during Liverpool’s hard-fought 2-1 win over Aston Villa before the international break.
The influential full-back was substituted early in the match, raising fears over his availability for the crucial fixtures ahead, including the Southampton tie and looming encounters with Real Madrid and Manchester City.
Alexander-Arnold’s injury comes at a time when Liverpool are already grappling with the absence of goalkeeper Alisson Becker and forward Diogo Jota. Alisson has been sidelined with a muscle injury, while Jota has been nursing a knock that has kept him out of recent matches.
However, there is a silver lining for Reds fans: Slot hinted before the international break that both Alisson and Jota could be in contention for Sunday, depending on their progress during recovery.
Adding to Liverpool’s woes, Harvey Elliott, who suffered a long-term injury earlier in the campaign, is still on the road to full fitness. Though pictures of the young midfielder back in training have sparked optimism, a return this weekend might come too soon for the 21-year-old.
The international break has done little to ease Slot’s concerns. Several key players remain in action for their national teams, leaving the manager anxiously awaiting their return.
Darwin Nunez, fresh from a string of fine performances for Liverpool, is set to feature for Uruguay in a high-stakes clash against Brazil on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Luis Díaz and Alexis Mac Allister will represent Colombia and Argentina, respectively, in critical fixtures on the same evening.
Closer to home, Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo are on duty for the Netherlands, facing Bosnia-Herzegovina in a European Championship qualifier. While all players appear fit for now, the physical toll of international duty poses a lingering risk.
With Southampton sitting at the bottom of the table, Liverpool head into Sunday’s match as firm favorites. However, Slot knows better than to take anything for granted. The Saints, desperate for points to escape the relegation zone, could exploit any vulnerabilities caused by Liverpool’s injury struggles.
As club football resumes, Slot will be hoping for two things: a clean bill of health for his internationals and the return of some key figures. For now, all eyes are on Melwood and the fitness updates trickling in.
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