Liverpool head coach Arne Slot is hopeful of welcoming Alisson Becker back into the starting XI for Sunday’s Premier League encounter with Tottenham Hotspur, but admits Federico Chiesa is also in contention.
Liverpool are sweating on the fitness of Alisson Becker ahead of Sunday’s high-stakes visit of Tottenham Hotspur, with Arne Slot “hopeful” his No.1 can return to the fold.
The Brazilian international was a high-profile absentee from the midweek Champions League trip to Istanbul, where the Reds suffered a frustrating 1-0 defeat to Galatasaray. In his absence, Giorgi Mamardashvili deputised between the posts, but Slot is keen to have his first-choice goalkeeper back as Liverpool look to overturn their European deficit next week and maintain their domestic momentum this Sunday.
The injury, sustained during a training session, was described by the Dutch coach as a “minor” muscle issue, though the relentless nature of the fixture schedule forced the shot-stopper out of Tuesday’s action.
Alisson’s race against time
Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday morning, Slot provided a detailed breakdown of Alisson’s condition, noting that a late decision will be made following the afternoon’s training session at the AXA Training Centre.
“He felt something when he passed the ball in one of his muscles but after we checked it, it was minor,” Slot confirmed. “So it didn’t take long, but games follow up so fast he had to miss Galatasaray, but hopefully he is ready to play Sunday.
“He has been with the physios and rehab until now and we are training today, so let’s see if he can join today, that is something I expect but not 100 per cent sure yet. I’ve not spoken to him. I’m hopeful. If not then definitely Galatasaray on Wednesday.”
Should Alisson fail to come through the Friday session unscathed, Mamardashvili is expected to keep his place against a Spurs side currently fighting for their lives at the wrong end of the table.
Chiesa returns but Isak progress slow
In a further boost for the Reds, Federico Chiesa is expected to be available for selection. The Italian forward missed the trip to Turkey due to illness but has recovered sufficiently to rejoin his teammates on the grass.
“Chiesa, I expect he feels better; he is able to train with us today,” Slot said. “He felt unwell the day before the game and we are now three or four days further ahead, so I think he’s able to train with us today again.”
However, the news was less positive regarding Alexander Isak. The Swedish striker, who suffered a leg fracture during the reverse fixture against Spurs in December, remains a significant distance away from a first-team return.
“[Isak] is with the rehab team, still not with the team yet,” Slot added, tempering expectations of a quick comeback. “He will not be back in action for several more weeks at least.”
A different Spurs test
Despite Tottenham’s recent struggles which included a heavy midweek thrashing at the hands of Atletico Madrid Slot is refusing to take the North London side lightly. With Spurs currently categorised as “relegation-threatened,” the Liverpool boss expects a tactical shift from the wide-open style often associated with the visitors in previous seasons.
“You have to look at how those other games went, playing style, managers,” Slot explained. “Ange was there last two times, known for different style than we mainly see in the Premier League now.
“So yeah, games are more open, as PSG v Chelsea was, two teams want to attack and press and that is not so common anymore that two teams want that style against each other. I expect a different Spurs setup than a year ago.”
Liverpool head into the weekend looking to consolidate their position for their Champions League hopes while keeping one eye on Wednesday’s pivotal second leg against Galatasaray at Anfield.
