Mohamed Salah was forced off with an injury in Liverpool's 3-1 win over Crystal Palace, according to multiple reports, and his chances of returning are in doubt. Slot confirmed that Salah will miss the weekend Premier League match and will not join Egypt's national team camp. However, Slot said Salah is recovering quickly and will train with the team again tomorrow, and if all goes well, he will be available against Manchester City. Slot cannot give a clear timeline for Salah's return but hopes for an early comeback. The uncertainty over Salah's fitness is a major blow for Liverpool as they face a congested schedule.
Salah's future at Liverpool remains uncertain after he confirmed via social media that this will be his final season at the club. It is understood that Salah will be allowed to leave on a free transfer, with a move to Saudi Arabia heavily speculated. According to multiple reports, Salah had a public falling out with Slot before the Africa Cup of Nations. Slot said he has no regrets about his decisions leading up to the dispute with Salah. The off-field issues add to the tension surrounding the team.
Slot said he has no regrets about his decisions leading up to the dispute with Salah.
Alisson Becker's injury timeline is also a concern. Multiple reports indicate that Alisson is ruled out until towards the end of the season. Slot confirmed that Alisson will be out a bit longer and is not ready for the weekend. However, Slot also said Alisson is close to a return and could play against Crystal Palace. The contradiction in timelines leaves Liverpool's goalkeeping situation uncertain. The exact nature and severity of Alisson's injury remain unknown.
Alexander Isak is back in full training after a broken leg, according to multiple reports, and could be available for a few minutes against Manchester City. Slot said Isak's return to the starting lineup is too soon, but he could play a few minutes. Isak has been on the pitch with running shoes for the first time this week and is progressing, Slot added. Isak also had an operation in the last few months, along with Conor Bradley. Whether Isak will be fit enough to start any matches soon is unclear.
Slot said Salah is available for the Manchester City match.
Florian Wirtz has not recovered from a back injury picked up last month, according to research. Slot said the game against Wolves will probably come too soon for Wirtz, and maybe the weekend game as well, but hopes to have him back next week. Slot said he honestly doesn't know when Wirtz will return, and that sometimes injuries develop positively or negatively. Wirtz has recorded six goals and eight assists in 35 appearances this season. Liverpool's medical staff are hopeful Wirtz can return for the Champions League trip to Galatasaray next week, according to research. The precise timeline for Wirtz's return remains uncertain.
Other injury updates include Jeremie Frimpong and Federico Chiesa, who will train on Friday to determine their availability for Saturday, according to multiple reports. Frimpong was taken off as a precaution during Netherlands' friendly against Ecuador and will be examined later, Slot said. Chiesa is nearing a return and may be available. Joe Gomez has recently returned to the squad, along with Frimpong. Wataru Endo underwent surgery and is expected to be ready for the World Cup, Slot said. Conor Bradley also had an operation in the last few months. Giovanni Leoni is recovering from a major knee injury suffered on his debut in September, according to research. The status of Frimpong's injury after being taken off as a precaution is still unclear.
Slot said Isak's return to the starting lineup is too soon, but he could play a few minutes.
Liverpool face Wolves in the Premier League on Tuesday evening, according to research. Liverpool are in the battle for Champions League football next season with Chelsea, Manchester United and Aston Villa. Liverpool play Wolves twice in four days at the same venue: league on Tuesday and FA Cup on Friday. Slot said the repetitive schedule is helpful for analysts and himself to analyse the opponent. The upcoming fixtures are crucial for Liverpool's season.
Wolves have a fully fit squad to pick from, with Ladislav Krejci back from suspension and Hwang Hee-chan available, according to manager Rob Edwards. This gives Wolves an advantage as they prepare to face a depleted Liverpool side.
Slot said Alisson will be out until towards the end of the season.
Slot said Alisson is close to a return and could play against Crystal Palace.
Slot said Florian Wirtz could be available for a few minutes against Wolves.
Arne Slot cannot give a clear timeline for Salah's return but hopes for an early comeback.
Mohamed Salah is recovering quickly and will train with the team again tomorrow, and if all goes well, he will be available against Manchester City.
Arne Slot said the game against Wolves will probably come too soon for Wirtz, and maybe the weekend game as well, but hopes to have him back next week.
Slot said he honestly doesn't know when Wirtz will return, and that sometimes injuries develop positively or negatively.
Alexander Isak has been on the pitch with running shoes for the first time this week and is progressing.
Slot said the repetitive schedule is helpful for analysts and himself to analyse the opponent.