Arne Slot hints at bigger issue while giving update on injured trio
Liverpool’s preparations for their trip to West Ham have taken another turn, with Arne Slot providing a cautiously positive update on three key players.
Arne Slot Shares Encouraging Injury News
The Dutchman revealed that Alisson completed full training on Thursday and is expected to be in contention, a major relief given how disruptive it is whenever the Reds are without their world-class goalkeeper.
Liverpool sorely missed the Brazilian’s presence and command during the heavy defeat to PSV, where they shipped four goals. His return couldn’t come at a more crucial moment.
Slot also offered promising news on Florian Wirtz, stating: “Florian will have his final day of rehab Friday. So, if that all goes well, he could train with the team on Saturday.”
The German midfielder has endured a fragmented start to life at Anfield, but his quality is undeniable. Getting him consistently fit remains one of the biggest priorities for the season. The No.7 has been sidelined since his muscle issue resurfaced against Nottingham Forest.
It was also notable that Slot once again highlighted how injuries have influenced his recent selections, referencing his earlier explanation that Ibou Konaté had “not trained two days before the game” when discussing Joe Gomez’s involvement. It underscores how short-term fitness concerns continue to disrupt Liverpool’s defensive plans.
Ekitike Facing Late Fitness Test
The more uncertain case is Hugo Ekitike. Slot explained: “They don’t expect it to be a big issue… but the games come fast, so let’s see for the weekend.”
The former Frankfurt forward played through discomfort against PSV, with Slot later admitting he repeatedly wondered “what’s wrong with Hugo?” during the match, only to discover afterwards that the striker had been battling a back problem from early in the game.
While his injury isn’t serious, there remains a chance he may sit out Sunday’s clash.
With Alisson set to return, Wirtz edging toward full training, and Ekitike unlikely to be out for long, Liverpool finally have a few reasons to feel more settled heading into a pivotal week.
