Liverpool’s preparations for the return of the Premier League are in full swing as the international break comes to an end. Fans are eagerly anticipating the upcoming match against Nottingham Forest, a game that could see the debut of their latest signing, Federico Chiesa.
Double Injury Updates: Alexis Mac Allister and Harvey Elliott
During the international break, Liverpool faced an injury scare when Alexis Mac Allister was forced off against Chile due to an adductor problem. Fortunately, he made a partial recovery and featured in their 2-1 defeat to Colombia as a second-half substitute. However, another blow came when Harvey Elliott suffered a fractured ankle, ruling him out for the foreseeable future.
Chiesa, who was signed from Juventus for a potential £12.5 million, has been training with Liverpool U21s to regain his fitness. The Italian international could be set for a quicker-than-expected debut, potentially replacing Elliott in the upcoming match.
Jonathan Tah and Liverpool’s Transfer Interests
Despite the transfer window being closed, Liverpool continues to be linked with various potential new signings. Jonathan Tah, a defender from Bayer Leverkusen, has emerged as a significant target. Tah’s contract expires next summer, making him a free agent, and Liverpool could potentially sign him on a pre-contract agreement in January. Other Premier League clubs, including Tottenham, Chelsea, and Manchester United, are also in the mix for his signature.
Adrien Rabiot, another potential target, has demanded a hefty salary of £162,000 per week and a signing-on bonus of £12.6 million, as reported by Italian outlet Calcio Mercato. The France international’s future remains uncertain as he is currently without a club.
Highlights from the International Break
Liverpool players had notable performances during the international break. Ryan Gravenberch and Trent Alexander-Arnold stood out with their contributions to their respective national teams. Gravenberch, who has been a key player under manager Arne Slot, delivered an impressive performance for the Netherlands, earning praise from Rafael van der Vaart. Alexander-Arnold was named the player of the match twice for England, showcasing his importance to the team.
Virgil van Dijk vs. William Saliba: McCoist’s Comments
Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk remains one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League, but Arsenal’s William Saliba is rapidly closing the gap, according to Ally McCoist. McCoist likened Saliba to Alan Hansen, emphasizing their class and defensive prowess. While van Dijk continues to be a crucial player for Liverpool, competition is heating up in the Premier League.
Curtis Jones Returns to Training
In some positive news, Curtis Jones has returned to full training after missing games against Manchester United and Brentford due to a muscle injury. His return is a boost for Liverpool as they prepare for a busy schedule ahead.
Liverpool’s Title Aspirations
With three wins and three clean sheets so far, Liverpool’s chances of contending for the Premier League title look promising. Former defender William Gallas expressed his concern that Liverpool and Manchester City could run away with the title race, leaving other teams to play catch-up. As the Reds continue their strong start under Arne Slot, fans will be watching closely to see if they can maintain their momentum.
The Latest Liverpool Headlines
In other news, Mexican winger Cesar Huerta revealed that he was close to a move to Liverpool before the deal collapsed. Additionally, rumors have surfaced about Liverpool having a verbal agreement with Kylian Mbappe in 2021, although PSG sources have denied these claims.
As the international break wraps up, all eyes will be on Liverpool as they face Nottingham Forest at Anfield. The return of Premier League football promises excitement and drama, with Liverpool eager to extend their winning streak under Arne Slot.
