Liverpool face Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Saturday and ahead of the match, we have rounded up all the latest news from the Reds
Liverpool face Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Saturday. Arne Slot's side began the campaign strongly, securing five straight victories before enduring a surprising slump with just a few wins to salvage some dignity.
Nevertheless, it appears the momentum is shifting back towards the Reds, who remain undefeated in their previous five matches across all competitions. Blocking their path are Thomas Frank's Spurs, who have been just as unpredictable throughout this season. Whilst they have managed victories against teams like Manchester City, there have been heavy losses to local rivals Arsenal, plus suffering a 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest last weekend.
The balance appears to be swinging towards Liverpool for this encounter, but Spurs have much to demonstrate and Frank will recognise that a victory against the Premier League title holders could be the spark needed to properly ignite their campaign. Before this fixture, the ECHO examines all the major developments emerging from the Red half of this showdown.
Arne Slot squad update
During his pre-match press briefing on Friday, Slot offered an injury update regarding some of Liverpool's missing players.
Slot revealed that Dutch international Cody Gakpo and England defender Joe Gomez are confirmed absentees for the journey to London. "He [Gakpo] had a scan that looked promising so that means that we are not that worried anymore, as we were maybe one or two weeks ago," said Slot.
"So that means he might come back a bit earlier than expected two weeks ago, but that's definitely not tomorrow and also not next week. Joe is not in the squad as well for the weekend and Dominik trained yesterday, parts of the training [session], for the first time so let's see where he is today and how he is tomorrow. Jeremie is in the squad again as well."
Regarding Szoboszlai, he added: "That completely depends on how he does today. So if he can fulfil the whole training session and then you speak to the player and the medical staff.
"If the player feels comfortable to play and he did all the things he had to do, then he will start. If he can fulfil the whole session or he fulfils it but he doesn't feel comfortable himself, we will have a discussion.
"But Dom has been a starter for me in the one-and-a-half years I am here now and for the performances he's brought in, he would be a starter tomorrow if he is completely fit."
Salah's next step
Mohamed Salah sparked controversy with his claims that he had been 'thrown under a bus' following Liverpool's 3-3 draw with Leeds United earlier this month.
He was then omitted from Arne Slot's squad for the Champions League encounter with Inter Milan, before appearing as a substitute last weekend against Brighton. Salah has now left Liverpool as he gets ready to represent Egypt in the Africa Cup of Nations and his future at Anfield remains uncertain.
The Liverpool striker is now preparing for his next step with his nation as he commenced training with Egypt at the Taghazout Stadium in Agadir, as they gear up for their match against Zimbabwe on December 22. The national team's inaugural training session with their complete AFCON squad took place on Thursday, featuring Salah among the 28-player ensemble.
Salah shared a couple of snaps on his Instagram story, one showing the entire team aboard the plane and another of him working out in the gym donning the Egypt training kit. The Egypt FA also posted pictures from the training session, where Salah can be seen gearing up for his country's first match of the tournament.