Team News: Seven Liverpool stars set to miss Chelsea clash | OneFootball

Liverpool vs Chelsea: Team News and Updates

Liverpool will welcome Chelsea to Anfield for a crucial Premier League clash on Saturday, with kick-off set for 12:30 pm BST. Both teams are facing their own fitness challenges, as they look to secure valuable points in their respective campaigns.

Injury Updates: Key Liverpool Players

Liverpool’s preparations for the match against Chelsea have been somewhat disrupted by injuries. Striker Isak missed the Reds’ previous defeat to Manchester United on May 3 due to a minor injury but has since returned to training. Head coach Arne Slot provided an update on his recovery, noting that the player had participated in training sessions leading up to the game: “Alex trains with us again, only yesterday for the first time. So that’s a positive.”

Mamardashvili, who has missed the past two matches due to a leg injury, is expected to resume training on Friday, with Slot hopeful that the goalkeeper could make a return to action soon. “Giorgi will train with us today for the first time, so let’s see how he’s going to react,” said Slot. However, Liverpool will continue to be without goalkeeper Alisson Becker and forward Mohamed Salah, who are still not back in training. Long-term absentees include Stefan Bajcetic, Conor Bradley, Hugo Ekitike, Wataru Endo, and Giovanni Leoni.

In addition, Slot assured fans that both Ibrahima Konate and Florian Wirtz are fit and available for selection after minor concerns earlier in the week. “Ibou had a personal reason not to be there, but he was there yesterday and today again,” explained Slot. “Florian was a bit unwell but he trained with us yesterday also.”

Photo: IMAGO

Chelsea Injury Concerns

Chelsea’s interim head coach Calum McFarlane provided an update on his squad’s fitness ahead of the trip to Merseyside. Two key defenders, Levi Colwill and Reece James, are in contention to feature for the Blues. Colwill, who played a half in Chelsea’s 3-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest on May 1, has returned to full training. James, who was an unused substitute in that match, is also available for selection. McFarlane said: “Levi has trained another full week again, Reece as well. So, looking promising. We’re hopeful.”

However, Chelsea will be without several players due to injury. Defenders Jesse Derry and Robert Sanchez are both ruled out due to head injuries sustained in the Forest match. Meanwhile, Alejandro Garnacho and Pedro Neto are doubtful for the fixture, with McFarlane adding that they are “carrying knocks” and it’s unlikely they will be available. Estevao has already been ruled out for the remainder of the season, and Jamie Gittens is sidelined with a hamstring injury.