Arne Slot has received a triple fitness boost ahead of Liverpool’s critical Premier League encounter with West Ham United this Sunday.
The Reds, mired in a dismal run of form, could see the return of several key figures for the trip to the London Stadium.
The mood around Anfield has been bleak following a 4-1 Champions League humiliation at the hands of PSV Eindhoven.
The disappointing result continued to mount intense pressure on Arne Slot as the Liverpool manager suffered a third consecutive defeat; however, the Dutch manager offered a glimmer of hope in the pre-match press update.
Alisson back in training after illness
The most significant news concerns first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker.
The Brazilian missed the midweek debacle due to illness but has since returned to training.
Slot confirmed, “Ali trained again with the team today, so we hope and expect him to be available at the weekend.” His presence would provide a much-needed steadying influence to a leaky Liverpool defence.
Florian Wirtz on the Return?
In midfield, there is also encouraging news regarding club-record signing Florian Wirtz.
The German playmaker has been sidelined with a muscle issue but is on the cusp of a return.
Slot detailed, “Florian will have his final day of rehab tomorrow. So, if that all goes well, he could train with the team on Saturday.” His creative spark has been sorely missed in recent lethargic performances.
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Hugo Ekitike injury not a ‘big issue’
A minor concern emerged during the PSV defeat when striker Hugo Ekitike was substituted due to a back problem.
However, the initial prognosis appears positive with Slot playing down the issue, stating,
“They don’t expect that it has to be a big issue, but the games come fast, so let’s see for the weekend.” Ekitike has looked sharp recently, and his availability would be a bonus.
While Conor Bradley, Jeremie Frimpong, and Giovanni Leoni remain absent due to long-term injuries, the potential reintegration of Alisson, Wirtz, and Ekitike offers Slot a vital lifeline as Liverpool struggle to steady the ship in a difficult season where they have failed to reciprocate last season’s title-winning campaign.
