As Liverpool gears up for a crucial Premier League clash against Chelsea this Saturday, manager Arne Slot has provided a much-anticipated injury update that has fans both hopeful and cautious. The Reds are looking to bounce back from a challenging season, and securing three points against a struggling Chelsea side would be the perfect way to finish strong.
Slot confirmed that star goalkeeper Alisson and prolific winger Mo Salah are "very close" to returning to full training, though neither has yet joined the first-team sessions. Both players have been sidelined with muscle injuries, and while their absence is a blow, the news that they're nearing a comeback is a positive sign for Liverpool supporters. "Alisson hasn't trained with us yet but is very close," Slot explained. "Mo also hasn't trained with us yet but is getting very, very close to training with us."
On a brighter note, backup goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili is set to return to training after recovering from a knee injury. "Mamardashvili will train with us today for the first time, so let's see how he reacts," Slot added, offering a glimmer of hope for depth in the squad.
Meanwhile, the situation surrounding striker Alex Isak remains more uncertain. After a lengthy four-month absence due to a broken leg and a recent minor issue that kept him out of Liverpool's disappointing defeat to Manchester United, Isak's availability for the Chelsea match is still in question. "Alex has trained with us again, only for the first time yesterday," Slot said. "Hopefully he can do parts or all of it today. Then we'll see how much we can use him tomorrow."
Defender Ibrahima Konate and midfielder Florian Wirtz also missed training earlier in the week, but Slot downplayed any major concerns. "Ibou had a personal reason not to be there on Wednesday but was back yesterday and today. Florian was a bit unwell but he trained with us yesterday also," he reassured.
With the Chelsea fixture looming, Liverpool fans will be eagerly watching the fitness updates. A win against the Blues could provide the momentum needed to close out the season on a high note, and the potential return of key players like Salah and Alisson would be a massive boost for the squad.