Despite a difficult start, Liverpool are navigating tough waters. With a run stretching to five games unbeaten in all competitions, Liverpool set to face Tottenham.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has delivered a mixed bag of team news ahead of Saturday’s crucial Premier League trip to Tottenham, headlined by a positive update on key midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai.
Szoboszlai returns
The Hungarian international, who limped off with an ankle injury late in last weekend’s win over Brighton, has taken a significant step towards being available. Slot confirmed the 23-year-old has returned to training, placing him in contention for the clash in North London. “Dominik trained yesterday, parts of the training [session], for the first time so let’s see where he is today and how he is tomorrow,” the manager stated. He added that if fully fit, Szoboszlai would start, noting, “Dom has been a starter for me in the one-and-a-half years I am here now… he would be a starter tomorrow if he is completely fit.”[smartframe_images_embed customer-id=”04742eb90cefa12a5e3ab9bae92c2b93″ image-id=”ARCH608650_00293957″ style=”width: 100%; display: inline-flex; max-width: 4492px; aspect-ratio: 4492/2995;”]
Frimpong back in the mix, Gomez remains unavailable
In defence, Slot confirmed a welcome return and a confirmed absence. Dutch right-back Jeremie Frimpong is set to be included in the matchday squad for the first time since suffering a muscle injury in late October. “Jeremie is in the squad again as well,” Slot announced. However, his return is offset by the loss of utility man Joe Gomez, who was injured in the first half against Brighton. “Joe is not in the squad as well for the weekend,” the boss confirmed.[smartframe_images_embed customer-id=”1ffbae35d432d0d71911ca2a0b209fbb” image-id=”prsiV6I1Hc6w” style=”width: 100%; display: inline-flex; max-width: 2700px; aspect-ratio: 2700/1524;”]
Good news on Gakpo’s recovery
Further up the pitch, there was encouraging news regarding forward Cody Gakpo. The Dutch attacker, who suffered a muscular problem against Leeds United, has undergone a scan that suggests his recovery could be quicker than initially feared. “He had a scan that looked promising, so that means that we are not that worried anymore,” Slot revealed. However, he tempered expectations for an immediate return, clarifying, “that means he might come back a bit earlier than expected two weeks ago, but that’s definitely not tomorrow and also not next week.”
The availability of Conor Bradley, back from a one-match suspension, alongside Frimpong’s return provides Slot with crucial options at right-back in Gomez’s absence. With Mohamed Salah now at the Africa Cup of Nations, the potential return of Szoboszlai’s creativity and drive in midfield becomes even more vital as Liverpool seeks to extend their five-match unbeaten run.
Liverpool face Tottenham on Saturday at 1730 GMT.
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