Arne Slot handed injury boost ahead of Liverpool vs Chelsea clash
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has received a welcome piece of injury news before the Reds travel to Chelsea in the Premier League.
The Reds have lost back-to-back fixtures and have not kept a clean sheet in five consecutive matches, and will be looking to get back to winning ways at Stamford Bridge before the international break.
Liverpool lost 1-0 to Galatasaray in the Champions League, with Slot deciding to drop Alexander Isak, Mo Salah and Alexis Mac Allister to the bench.
Making the trip to Turkey, Liverpool travelled over 2,000 miles in the Champions League and they now face a further test of their Premier League title credentials at Chelsea.
Hugo Ekitike named in France squad
Liverpool lost goalkeeper Alisson to injury, and striker Hugo Ekitike also had to replaced during the second half.
However, Slot may be able to rely on the forward against Chelsea, as Lewis Steele on X [2 October] reports that Ekitike has been included in the France squad in the next international break, with hope that he has “avoided any serious issues.”
Alisson though is not in the Brazil squad, and Slot may fear a longer-term absence for his number one goalkeeper.
Ekitike key to Liverpool’s early form
With Isak not yet at full fitness, having Ekitike available to face Chelsea would be a big boost to Slot.
The 23-year-old has proved a hit of Merseyside so far, with just one sending off against Southampton hindering his start.
| Minutes Played | 370 |
| Goals | 3 |
| Expected Goals | 1.78 |
| Shots | 9 |
| Shots on target | 4 |
Ekitike is currently outshining Isak due to the latter’s lack of any pre-season at Newcastle, and has been crucial to Liverpool‘s fine start to the season.
Liverpool have not won on their past four visits to Chelsea in the Premier League, and the Reds could be behind Arsenal by the time they kick-off at Stamford Bridge.