Liverpool manager Arne Slot gives an injury update on his players ahead of Friday’s big game against Aston Villa
Friday night’s Premier League game promises to be one to watch as 5th place Aston Villa host 4th place Liverpool in the penultimate round of fixtures with both teams level on points. Both teams will be hoping to play Champions League football next season but neither have guaranteed it yet.
The home side also have the small matter of a European final to look forward to on Wednesday, so it will be interesting to see how that impacts Unai Emery’s team selection.
As for Arne Slot’s Liverpool, it’s all about the league now and they will want to ensure a top five finish as soon as possible.
Salah set to return for Liverpool
Slot has a few injury concerns on his mind ahead of the big game, but there is good news regarding Mohamed Salah and Ibrahima Konate. The Egyptian has been out for two games with a muscle injury but is available for the trip to Villa Park.
However, Slot has urged caution and indicated that the forward will be eased back into action, so he is not in contention to start the game. He should be on the bench, however, and the Dutch coach hopes to be able to call on him.
“Ibou is OK, trained with us,” said Slot at his pre-match press conference on Thursday.
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“Mo will be available tomorrow for only a few minutes, but hopefully can come in.”
Alisson and Wirtz remain doubts for trip to Villa
Elsewhere, Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson Becker is nearing a return and could possibly be in line for a return to the squad for this game. The 33-year-old stopper has been out for the last six Premier League games.
“Alisson trains with us again, let’s see where he is tomorrow, if he is ready already or has to wait one more week,” said Slot.
Another player who remains a question mark for Friday night is Florian Wirtz as he has come down with a sickness bug.
“[Wirtz has a] stomach infection, so let’s see how fit he is for tomorrow. He’s on antibiotics. Let’s see if he’s ready to play tomorrow.”
Longer-term Liverpool absentees Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni, Stefan Bajcetic, Wataru Endo and Hugo Ekitiké are all definitely out.
