Liverpool injury updates ahead of Arsenal clash

Liverpool face arguably their first mammoth test under Arne Slot when they visit Premier League title rivals Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.

It's been close to smooth sailing for new manager Slot since his arrival in the summer, leading the Reds to seven league wins from eight games alongside three triumphs in the Champions League and a resounding 5-1 win over West Ham United in the Carabao Cup.

Slot's start has sent records tumbling at Anfield, quickly eradicating any fears that the transition from playing under Jurgen Klopp would be slow. The Dutchman has had a largely injury-free squad to work with since taking over, though there are a couple of major absentees he will have to do without for the trip to the capital on Sunday.

Ahead of what promises to be one of the games of the season, here is the latest Liverpool injury news.

Alisson

• Injury: Hamstring
• Potential return date: November

He may well be arguably the best goalkeeper in the world, but Alisson has developed a troubling knack for picking up injuries in recent years. The hamstring blow he picked up in the win at Crystal Palace is expected to keep him out well into November, with Slot telling fans not to expect a return in the immediate future.

In his pre-match press conference, Slot revealed: "He's progressing well, like we expect. But it's not a short-term recovery.

"It's always difficult to judge him. I think the best way to judge an injury is in the end of an injury, the end phase of his rehab, and he's not there yet.

"I can't tell you how much longer he will be out, but don't expect him to be in against Brighton in the cup or next week."

Alisson has already missed clashes with Chelsea and RB Leipzig and will be desperate to be fit in time for two huge games against Bayer Leverkusen and Aston Villa at the start of November.

Diogo Jota

• Injury: Chest
• Potential return date: Brighton (A) - 30/10/24

Diogo Jota has been Slot's main choice to lead the Liverpool attack so far this season, returning four goals and two assists in all competitions.

However, the Portugal international appeared to suffer a blow to his chest during the 2-1 victory over Chelsea last week and subsequently missed the victory over RB Leipzig in the Champions League. Slot has now confirmed he won't be available for Sunday's trip to the Emirates.

"I think they feel good but not when it comes to playing for us during the weekend. Federico might train with us today or tomorrow - but Diogo definitely not. And Conor Bradley, let's see if he can be with us tomorrow."

Federico Chiesa

• Injury: Knock
• Potential return date: Arsenal (A) - 27/10/24

"I'm not expecting him to be out for a very long period of time," was Slot's response when asked about Federico Chiesa's fitness before the win over Crystal Palace. However, since remaining an unused substitute against Wolves in late September, the Italy international hasn't been seen in a Liverpool shirt.

The flying winger was brought in for a relative snip during the summer transfer window, but his previous injury woes are well documented and the Reds will hope he's fit and ready to contribute soon with a crunch run of fixtures coming up.

Harvey Elliott

• Injury: Foot
• Potential return date: Mid-November

Harvey Elliott enjoyed great success as an impact player last season, bringing energy and bite off the bench when called upon by former manager Klopp. However, he managed only seven minutes of Premier League football before being hit by a foot fracture, with a return to action not expected until November.

He will have plenty of competition once he returns to full fitness, but Slot has hinted recently that game time will be handed to the 21-year-old when he is available again.

Conor Bradley

• Injury: Knock
• Potential return date: Arsenal (A) - 27/10/24

Conor Bradley has emerged as a reliable deputy for Trent Alexander-Arnold over the past year, providing plenty of enthusiasm and tenacity from right-back when called upon.

He's made four substitute appearances in the Premier League and started one Carabao Cup game so far this season, but appeared to pick up a knock while on international duty with Northern Ireland. He wasn't in the matchday squad to face Chelsea and may not be fit enough for Sunday's trip to London.

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