Arne Slot has confirmed whether Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk are fit to play Liverpool’s Premier League clash at Southampton.
The Reds travel to St. Mary’s on Sunday with the chance to extend their five point lead in the table.
However, Slot is having to deal with a number of injury issues to key players, most notably captain Virgil van Dijk and and vice-captain Alexander-Arnold.
The latter picked up a thigh issue just before the international break and was one of many England players to withdraw from Three Lions duty.
There was hope that the right-back would return to action in time for the Southampton clash, which precedes huge matches against Real Madrid and Manchester City next week.
However, Slot has revealed that the 26-year-old has not yet returned to training and will therefore miss the trip to the Saints who are bottom of the table.
But there is better news regarding Van Dijk after the centre-back returned to Anfield early from the Netherlands squad on ‘medical grounds’.
Asked about the pair’s fitness in his Friday press conference, Slot said: ‘Trent and Virgil? I was expected a different question!’ jokingly referring to the ongoing speculation over their futures at the club.
‘Virgil is all good. Trained with us today. Trent not training yet but he is getting there, we expect him back soon.’
The manager also shared an update on goalkeeper Alisson, who has missed the last four league games with a hamstring injury,as well as attacking trio Diogo Jota, Harvey Elliott andFederico Chiesa.
‘Alisson? We’re careful with everyone when it comes to muscles,’ the Dutchman added.
‘He is back in training with goalkeeper coach and not training with the team but that is expected soon. Let’s wait and see where he is in terms of match fitness, getting better and better but not ready.
‘Harvey is with us now, been out for many weeks but with the team now on the pitch. Jota is still the same as Federico who is coming back into the session after one exercise today.
‘All expected back in a few weeks but last part of recovery is always the hardest, so let’s wait and see. Alisson and Jota, I don’t expect them to be fit for [Real Madrid]. Trent we will see.’
