Slot provides major update on the availability of five key players ahead of the Brighton match

Liverpool welcome Brighton & Hove Albion to Anfield on Saturday, a fixture that could provide a genuine challenge for the reigning champions.

Fitness outlook ahead of the Seagulls’ visit

In his pre-match press conference, Arne Slot offered updates on several players carrying knocks following the midweek Champions League victory over Inter Milan.

Slot confirmed that Federico Chiesa, who had been out due to illness, has returned to full training:
“Federico is fine now. He trained yesterday and again today, so I expect he’ll be available for the squad tomorrow,” the manager said on Friday.

The news was less positive for Wataru Endo and Cody Gakpo. Slot admitted both will be missing for a while:
“It’s going to be weeks. Cody has a muscle issue and Wata picked up an ankle injury.”

Slot also noted that Alexander Isak will need to be assessed after taking a heavy knock in Italy:
“Alex took a hit in the first half, so we’ll see today how he’s recovered – whether he can start tomorrow and, if he can, whether I choose to start him with Hugo Ekitike again or go in another direction.”

Concerns around Isak have grown since his struggles against Inter, where one pundit remarked he “really struggled with the physicality and intensity tonight.”

With Chiesa returning but Gakpo ruled out and Isak potentially limited, much of the attacking responsibility could fall on Hugo Ekitike.
And with Mo Salah not yet fully integrated after his absence, Liverpool’s attacking depth may be stretched, making Slot’s frontline decisions especially important.

Salah, Isak and Liverpool’s forward options

A key talking point remains whether Salah will feature before departing for AFCON. Slot admitted that his plans will depend on discussions with the Egyptian:
“I’ll speak with Mo this morning. What comes from that will determine how things look on Saturday.”

Supporters are now waiting to see whether Liverpool’s No.11 will return to the matchday squad or sit out a little longer.

With Chiesa fit again and Ekitike poised to take on a bigger role, Slot’s management of injuries and attacking choices will be central to how Liverpool approach the Brighton clash.
His decisions could prove crucial in maintaining the team’s unbeaten form and carrying momentum into the festive schedule.