Liverpool news: Arne Slot gets injury update as key player returns before Chelsea match

Liverpool is gearing up for their match against Chelsea at Anfield as Arne Slot prepares his team for the Premier League’s return after the international break.

As the international break comes to a close, Liverpool is readying themselves for their upcoming clash. They will host Chelsea on Sunday, with Slot aiming to build on his impressive start with the team. The Dutch manager’s squad currently tops the league with six victories and just one loss this season, although a more challenging schedule awaits.

Key players like Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kostas Tsimikas, Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, and Curtis Jones will be among the first for Slot to assess. However, tougher choices are on the horizon as he considers the status of Alexis Mac Allister and Luis Diaz, who are still further afield.

Teammate supports Kelleher

Caoimhin Kelleher is set to start in goal for Liverpool against Chelsea, with Alisson Becker unavailable for the match. The Irish international did not participate in the Reds’ victory over Crystal Palace when his Brazilian teammate had to leave the field at Selhurst Park.

Instead, Viteslav Jaros stepped in, as Kelleher was sidelined due to illness. However, Kelleher is expected to return this weekend.

The 25-year-old goalkeeper has featured in both of the Republic of Ireland’s Nations League matches to ensure he is ready to start for Slot. He made several key saves against Greece on Sunday but also made a critical mistake by leaving his area and passing the ball directly to Petros Mantolos, who scored, securing a 2-0 victory for Greece.

Despite this error, Ireland star Troy Parrott has come to Kelleher’s defense. “It’s frustrating for all of us, there is nothing we can do. Everyone makes mistakes; Caoimh doesn’t make many,” Parrott stated.

“Everyone in the dressing room is behind him, but I don’t think he needs it because he’s strong enough mentally to deal with it. Obviously, it’s frustrating to give a good side like this chances, especially at that time in the game when we were coming back into it and creating good chances ourselves. It’s difficult, but we have to move on.”

Alexis Mac Allister Update

The midfielder sustained a groin injury during Liverpool’s last match but traveled to join Argentina recently. Although Mac Allister missed the draw against Venezuela, he now appears to have made a positive recovery.

According to Ole, the former Brighton player has returned to full training and is even in contention to play for the World Champions against Bolivia. While this news is encouraging for the Reds, the possibility of him playing in the early hours of Wednesday morning could be a concern for his club as they prepare for the match against Chelsea.

Koeman on Van Dijk Return

One player returning sooner than anticipated is captain Virgil van Dijk. The Dutchman received a controversial red card against Hungary and was subsequently suspended for the Netherlands’ second game.

Van Dijk had initially intended to stay with the squad throughout the break, but it was decided he should return to Liverpool to optimize his conditioning.

“He was a little too quick with answers,” said Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman regarding Van Dijk. “The fact he wanted to stay with the group is of course a great attitude, but if you look at what players play in matches these days, it is logical you send him home. So, we as staff have made the decision to send him home.”