(Credit: Imago)

Ciaran Morrison

Fri 29 August 2025 10:11, UK

Liverpool are set to boosted for their crunch Premier League clash with Arsenal as Arne Slot confirms the return of a star player.

The Reds have started their Premier League title defence with two wins from two, and are set to welcome last season’s closest challengers Arsenal to Anfield next.

16-year-old Rio Ngumoha netted the winner at Newcastle in a 3-2 thriller, after Anthony Gordon’s challenge on Virgil van Dijk saw the Toon go down to ten men.

Their opening day win against Bournemouth, also saw Liverpool conceded two goals, but Slot is set to strengthen his midfield for the visit of Arsenal.

Arne Slot provides Alexis Mac Allister update

Liverpool were without midfielder Alexis Mac Allister at St James’ Park due to an injury the 26-year-old picked up on the opening day against Bournemouth.

Slot though has confirmed in his Arsenal pre-match press conference that Mac Allister could be available on Sunday.

As per David Lynch on X [29 August], the Argentina international is back in training, with Curtis Jones the likely one to drop to the bench from the team that started against Arsenal should Slot choose to bring Mac Allister straight back into the starting XI.

Alexis MacAllister would be welcome Liverpool return

Football Insider Verdict

There was a ten point gap between the two sides, but Liverpool failed to beat Arsenal in either meeting, meaning Slot needs to put out his strongest line-up this weekend.

Jeremie Frimpong will be absent, but with the return of Mac Allister, Slot could have near all of his stars to choose from.

Mac Allister was a vital player in Liverpool’s title triumph and his box-to-box energy and composure on the ball was missed in the frantic match at Newcastle.

Even this early in the season, points dropped against title rivals could prove pivotal come the end of season standings.

Liverpool need to tighten up defensively, but Hugo Ekitike’s impressive start with three goals in three games is a major positive.