Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has offered injury updates and teams news ahead of this Sunday’s Merseyside derby against Everton
Arne Slot has provided an extensive update on the physical state of his squad as Liverpool prepare for a tense Merseyside derby against Everton this Sunday.
The Reds head into the local showdown dealing with several significant selection headaches that could impact their tactical approach at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
While some updates from the AXA Training Centre have been encouraging regarding long-term absentees, other areas of the pitch remain a major worry for the coaching staff.
It has now been confirmed that Joe Gomez will be absent for the derby, while summer signing Hugo Ekitiké has seen his season come to a premature end.
The situation regarding Ekitiké is particularly grim, with scans on Thursday confirming a full rupture of his Achilles tendon.
The 23-year-old forward, who was stretchered off during the 2-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, is yet to undergo surgery but will definitely miss the remainder of the campaign and France’s World Cup journey this summer.
Slot expressed his devastation for his player on Friday morning but backed him to return with a stronger mentality.
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“100% he will be one of those who say maybe this injury makes me even stronger and more ready to play at an even higher level,” Slot said.
Isak’s reintegration remains a cautious process
In more positive news, Alexander Isak is available for selection, though his fitness levels are still being managed with extreme care.
After making a bold return to the starting line-up against PSG, the Swedish international was withdrawn at half-time to avoid any recurrence of his ankle issue.
Slot revealed that while having the striker back is a significant boost, he is not yet in a position to complete a full 90-minute shift.
This limitation poses a strategic challenge for the derby, as the Dutchman must decide whether to use Isak’s influence from the start or save his impact for the later stages of the match.
The injury list continues to grow at a difficult time for the club, with Alisson Becker, Giovanni Leoni, and Wataru Endo all remaining on the treatment table.
With Gomez and Conor Bradley both out, the defensive structure will likely see further improvisation, potentially forcing senior players into unfamiliar roles.
As the Reds look to bounce back from their Champions League exit, the resilience of the remaining squad will be tested to its limit in one of the most physically demanding fixtures of the season.
