Arne Slot delivers injury update on Liverpool quartet ahead of West Ham clash | OneFootball

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot heads into the weekend with a cautiously optimistic injury update as his side prepares for a crucial Premier League meeting with West Ham United.

The Reds are reeling from another difficult midweek defeat against PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League. That was their ninth defeat in their last 12 games in all competitions.

Despite Liverpool’s current form, Slot still has the backing of the club hierarchy, much to the dismay of fans who are already calling for his sack.

Nevertheless, the game against West Ham is a must-win for Liverpool, but they could be missing a few players.

Goalkeeper Alisson Becker is expected to return to the fold after missing the PSV match through illness.

Slot revealed that Alisson trained fully with the squad on Thursday. Barring any setbacks, the Brazilian should reclaim his place between the posts this weekend.

Slot is also hopeful that Florian Wirtz will take a major step forward in his recovery. The German midfielder has missed the last two games with a muscle injury but is close to full fitness.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Slot said: “Ali trained again with the team today, so we hope and expect him to be available at the weekend.

“Florian will have his final day of rehab tomorrow. So, if that all goes well, he could train with the team on Saturday.”

Slot also provided an update on Hugo Ekitike and Joe Gomez. The former is a doubt to face West Ham after being forced off early in the second half due to a back issue against PSV.

Slot also confirmed that Gomez is close to playing more minutes and was an option in the PSV loss.

On Ekitke, he said: “They don’t expect that it has to be a big issue, but the games come fast, so let’s see for the weekend.”

On Gomez, Slot said: “He’s close. He could have been involved yesterday as well, in terms of minutes. But when we are 2-1 or 3-1 down, I tend to make offensive substitutions.

“And for him to start a game is also definitely a possibility. I decided to keep him there for if Ibou [Konate] was injured, and not to have to make two substitutions.”