Liverpool return to Premier League action today, hosting Fulham at Anfield for a 3pm kickoff. Arne Slot’s team will be trying to extend their lead at the top of the table, where they are now four points ahead of second-placed Chelsea.
However, Fulham’s visit will not be easy, as Marco Silva’s side drew title contenders Arsenal at Craven Cottage last weekend. It means Liverpool will have to be at their best to beat the Cottagers. The club’s injury situation has improved, which is a benefit for manager Slot.
The Reds have been without several first-team players in recent weeks. On Tuesday night in Girona, they welcomed back number one goalkeeper Alisson Becker, who had been absent for two months. Slot is also helped by the return of Diogo Jota, who was sidelined for a similar amount of time due to an upper body injury incurred following a clash with Tosin Adarabioyo during Liverpool’s 2-1 win against the Londoners in October.
Federico Chiesa is also on the verge of returning, though Slot admitted that the Italian may have to wait a little longer after making only three appearances since joining from Juventus for £10 million last August.
Jota returned to full training this week, and Slot indicated that he and Chiesa might be on the bench for the match against Fulham. On Thursday, Slot received another pleasant boost when he saw Kostas Tsimikas practicing apart from his teammates. The Greek defender will not be eligible for selection against Fulham, but he is nearing full fitness.
Ibrahima Konate and Conor Bradley, meanwhile, are further back in their recovery from injuries sustained against Real Madrid. Liverpool will be without suspended Alexis MacAllister for the encounter against Fulham, after his punishment for five yellow cards was prolonged due to the postponement of the Merseyside derby. Tyler Morton has also been out due to injury, having picked up a knock before the trip to Girona.
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