Liverpool's Slot Facing A Selection Headache

Liverpool are facing a growing list of injury concerns heading into a crucial period of the season, with several key players sidelined or doubtful ahead of next week’s Premier League trip to Tottenham Hotspur.

Midfielder Wataru Endo is expected to be out for several weeks after suffering an ankle injury during the 3-3 draw with Leeds United on December 6. Head coach Arne Slot confirmed the length of the absence earlier this week, dealing a blow to Liverpool’s midfield options. Cody Gakpo is also facing a spell on the sidelines, with Slot revealing that the forward’s muscle problem will likewise keep him out for “weeks”.

Defensive issues have also emerged. Joe Gomez was forced off in the first half of Liverpool’s recent win over Brighton & Hove Albion due to a muscle injury, and Slot admitted the signs were not encouraging. While a final decision has yet to be made, the Liverpool boss suggested Gomez is unlikely to be available for the Tottenham match, barring what he described as a “positive surprise”.

Jeremie Frimpong, however, could be nearing a return. The full-back has been out since being forced off early in October’s Champions League victory over Eintracht Frankfurt, but Slot indicated he is expected to resume training next week. Meanwhile, young defender Giovanni Leoni remains sidelined long term after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament on his debut against Southampton in the Carabao Cup. The injury is expected to keep him out for up to a year.

There is also concern over Dominik Szoboszlai, who was withdrawn late on against Brighton with an ankle issue. Slot said the injury “didn’t look great” on first viewing but expressed hope due to the midfielder’s resilience and mentality.

Away from injuries, Liverpool will soon be without Mohamed Salah, who is set to join up with Egypt for the Africa Cup of Nations. Salah made a substitute appearance against Brighton before departing to represent his country, who face Zimbabwe, South Africa and Angola in the group stage later this month.

In terms of discipline, Conor Bradley returns to contention after serving a one-match Premier League suspension against Brighton and will be available for the clash with Tottenham. However, the defender remains one booking away from a Champions League suspension. Szoboszlai is also walking a disciplinary tightrope, sitting just one yellow card away from a one-game Premier League ban.

With fixtures piling up and several first-team players unavailable, Slot faces key selection challenges as Liverpool prepare for a demanding run of matches before the end of the year.

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