Liverpool handed huge injury boost as Arne Slot issues goalkeeper latest | OneFootball

Reds had been dealt a huge injury worry in Merseyside derby last week

Liverpool have been handed a huge injury boost ahead of their Premier League clash with Crystal Palace this Saturday.

The Brazilian is in line for an early return, according to Arne Slot, who spoke to reporters on Friday.

Mamardashvili was replaced by third-choice stopper Freddie Woodman in the second half at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

"No, Giorgi [Mamardashvili] will definitely not be available tomorrow and not for the upcoming weeks,” Slot said.

"Alli [Alisson] is close to returning to play. Let's see if tomorrow comes too early.

"That leaves Freddie [Woodman] as an option who is definitely fit."

There is further good news for Liverpool on the availability front, with Slot revealing that defender Joe Gomez, who has been plagued with injury in his time at Anfield, is fit to feature against Palace.

There is more optimism around Wataru Endo, who suffered a serious ankle injury against Sunderland earlier in the year, with the Reds boss confident that the Japan international will play before the season is out.

Endo’s focus remains on the World Cup, where he is hoping to lead his side out in Canada, Mexico and the United States this summer.

“Joe is back in the squad,” Slot said.

“It's really helpful. Wata is starting to go out not with the team yet, exercises with the rehab team.

“He won't be available for United or Chelsea but he could be back before the end of the season.”

Slot also gave an update on Hugo Ekitike, who has been ruled for the remainder of the campaign with an ruptured Achilles tendon.

The Frenchman is also out of the World Cup with France, but has undergone successful surgery, according to his manager.

“The surgery went well but in such a long rehab process there are so many steps that need to be made,” the Dutchman said.

“Experts will tell you this will take multiple months and then it depends on the steps.

“We don't know yet but the first and most important step is surgery went well.

“Recovery is going to take a long time but he will be back stronger like all the others who have been out a long time.Leoni has become a beast.