Harvey Elliott, Alisson, Chiesa – Liverpool Injury News and Return Dates Ahead of Premier League Clash with Chelsea
Liverpool are gearing up for their return to Premier League action this weekend, with a high-profile clash against Chelsea at Anfield on Sunday. The match marks one of the most significant fixtures of the season so far, as the Reds face off against a long-time rival.
After a brief break, Liverpool will be back in the spotlight, and the timing couldn’t be more exciting as Chelsea comes to town. Sunday’s game is set to be a major highlight, offering fans a thrilling showdown between two of English football’s most storied clubs.
Arne Slot, Liverpool’s new head coach, has had an exceptional start to his tenure on Merseyside. The Dutchman has already etched his name in club history by securing nine wins from his first 10 matches in charge.
Slot’s impressive run of results has propelled Liverpool to the top of the Premier League table after seven games. In addition, the Reds have also enjoyed success in the revamped Champions League group stage, maintaining a perfect record, and have advanced to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup, which they won in Jurgen Klopp’s final season as manager.
Chelsea, who were Liverpool’s opponents in last season’s Carabao Cup final at Wembley, have experienced a summer of significant changes. Enzo Maresca took over the reins from Mauricio Pochettino as the club’s manager, stepping into one of football’s most demanding roles.
Although Chelsea suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of defending champions Manchester City in their opening match of the season, Maresca has since led the team to an unbeaten streak over the next six Premier League games. However, Chelsea’s manager now faces a few challenges regarding player availability for the upcoming clash.
Similarly, Liverpool’s Arne Slot is dealing with his own set of concerns, with questions surrounding the fitness of five players ahead of the game. Here’s a closer look at those who are either ruled out or remain doubtful for the weekend’s big match.
Alexis Mac Allister
Injury: Groin.
Alexis Mac Allister remained on the sidelines during Argentina’s World Cup qualifier against Venezuela on Thursday, as he continues to manage the muscle issue that led to his early exit at half-time in Liverpool’s 1-0 Premier League victory over Crystal Palace last weekend.
This was anticipated after Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni mentioned prior to the 1-1 draw that Mac Allister had been training separately from the rest of the team.
However, the 25-year-old has since returned to full training and, barring any setbacks, will be in contention to feature for the World Cup champions when they face Bolivia in the early hours of Wednesday morning, UK time.
Possible return date: Chelsea (H), Premier League, Sunday, October 20.
Curtis Jones
Injury: N/A.
Curtis Jones was not dealing with an injury but had to withdraw from the England squad for the match against Finland after receiving a late call-up from interim manager Lee Carsley.
Although the midfielder was an unused substitute in Thursday’s game against Greece, he left the England camp afterward due to a personal issue. Hopefully, everything is fine, and Jones will be back in action this weekend.
Possible return date: Chelsea (H), Premier League, Sunday, October 20.
Harvey Elliott
Injury: Foot.
Harvey Elliott has been out of action since early September due to a fractured foot he sustained while playing for the England Under-21 team.
There had been hope that he could return for Sunday’s match against Chelsea, and the player himself suggested on social media last week that he is nearing full fitness.
However, Liverpool are in no rush to bring the 21-year-old back into the squad.
Given the upcoming crucial fixtures, including an away game against RB Leipzig in the Champions League and a Premier League clash with Arsenal, it seems likely that Elliott’s return may be delayed a bit longer.
Possible return date: Brighton & Hove Albion (A), Carabao Cup, Wednesday, October 30.
Federico Chiesa
Injury: Unspecified.
Federico Chiesa was absent from the Premier League triumph against Crystal Palace and the Champions League win at home against Bologna prior to the international break due to an undisclosed problem.
Before the win at Selhurst Park, Slot commented on the summer acquisition, stating: “He didn’t train in the last days, he came in today to see if he could train.
“If he can, then I still have a decision to make as we can only select 20 and he hasn’t trained for a few days. But first of all we have to wait and see if he can even train.”
Keep an eye on the club’s social media platforms this week to check if Chiesa has returned to training. If he hasn’t, Slot will likely provide an update during his press conference ahead of the Chelsea match.
Possible return date: Unknown.
Alisson Becker
Injury: Hamstring.
One player who will undoubtedly be absent for the Reds on Sunday is goalkeeper Alisson Becker, who will be sidelined for at least six weeks due to a hamstring injury sustained during the victory over Crystal Palace.
The Brazil international is set to miss crucial upcoming fixtures, including a home game against Chelsea, an away match at Arsenal, and a Champions League clash with Bayer Leverkusen, among others.
However, there is some relief as Alisson’s backup, Caoimhin Kelleher, has recovered from the illness that kept him out against Palace, where Vitezslav Jaros had to step in for his debut after the No. 1 was forced off with his injury.
Possible return date: Southampton (A), Premier League, Sunday, November 24.
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