Arne Slot provides injury update on four Liverpool stars ahead of West Ham United clash | OneFootball

Slot outlines major Liverpool injury update before West Ham trip

Liverpool’s preparations for the weekend have taken a welcome turn, with Arne Slot signalling that several influential players are edging back towards contention after a punishing run of form. The manager, under significant scrutiny following a series of damaging results, offered a clearer injury update as the Premier League champions aim to halt their slide.

Mounting pressure as Liverpool seek response

The midweek setback against PSV Eindhoven – a 4-1 defeat that exposed familiar vulnerabilities – extended Liverpool’s poor sequence to nine losses in twelve matches. Slot’s team, now positioned outside the leading European qualification places, have found themselves struggling for rhythm, consistency and key personnel at pivotal moments.

With his side sitting 12th in the table, Slot acknowledged the scale of the challenge but struck a measured tone. His approach has been publicly backed by former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, who remarked that the club were “not a sacking institution” and would afford the manager the space to correct course.

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker Liverpool v Nottingham Forest,

Key figures nearing return to action

The outlook has brightened this week. Slot confirmed that four senior players – Alisson, Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike and Joe Gomez – are progressing well and could feature at West Ham if their final assessments are positive.

Alisson, recently back from a thigh issue, was absent in Eindhoven after illness. His recovery has accelerated, with Slot noting the Brazilian’s full involvement in training:

“Alisson trained again today with the team, we hope and expect he is available at the weekend.”

Wirtz, who joined in the summer and has been a major creative presence when fit, is nearing the end of his rehabilitation period following a muscle complaint. Slot explained the next step in his recovery:

“Wirtz will have his final day of rehab tomorrow, if all goes well he can train with the team on Saturday.”

Ekitike, withdrawn recently as a precaution, is also expected to travel. Slot described his situation as minor, saying:

“Ekitike, today was a recovery day but they don’t expect it to be a big issue.”

Gomez, meanwhile, is close to returning after a knee problem that ruled him out of the Champions League defeat. The defender was considered for limited minutes in midweek, but game circumstances shifted Slot’s priorities:

“Joe Gomez is close. He could have been involved yesterday in terms of minutes. When we are 3-1 down, I tend to make offensive changes.”

Strategic decisions ahead of vital fixture

The potential reintroduction of several key names gives Slot more stability as he prepares for a match that could shape Liverpool’s short-term narrative. Improved squad availability will allow the coaching staff to restore balance and reinforce a defensive unit that has been stretched in recent weeks.

A more complete Liverpool group travelling to the London Stadium provides a timely boost, but the demand now shifts to performance. With pressure intensifying and results urgently required, Slot knows the value of turning an encouraging injury update into a decisive reaction on the pitch.