Liverpool Echo

Latest Liverpool and Tottenham injury news ahead of Sunday's decisive fixture in the Premier League title race

Liverpool could be crowned Premier League champions on Sunday afternoon. Facing Tottenham Hotspur, all they require is a single point to ensure second-placed Arsenal are unable to catch up in the final four rounds of the season.

Returning from the international break, it was on the Gunners to chased down Liverpool though they have been unable to fulfil that quest as points have been dropped in three of their last five fixtures. The latest slip came on Wednesday against Crystal Palace, which opened up the floor to the Reds to win the 20th English league title in their history in front of their own supporters at Anfield against Spurs.

Thankfully, Arne Slot has all but one of his stars to call upon for such a momentous match in the club's history as Joe Gomez remains the only man on the sidelines.

Speaking on Friday, Slot revealed: "If his recovery goes well, he would be able to [play] in the last one or two games of the season but he is still not training with us yet. But he is coming closer and closer to training with the team."

The 27-year-old suffered another setback in the form of a hamstring injury last December - just as he had been granted a run in the starting XI whilst Ibrahima Konate was injured too.

Gomez then returned for the FA Cup trip to Plymouth Argyle in February but lasted only 11 minutes and hasn't been seen in action since.

Meanwhile the team that would stand in the way of Liverpool and the title - who are coincidentally Arsenal's biggest rivals - have plenty of decision-making to do before coming to Anfield.

On Thursday they begin a Europa League semi-final tie against Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt, with winning the competition now their only opportunity to qualify for European competition next term.

"With the programme we have coming up, Thursday obviously is a big night for us, so it will be a matter of playing a few [against Liverpool] that need the game time and others we feel may need less exposure, we’ll have a look at it," admitted manager Ange Postecoglou.

Regardless of who he decides to play, Spurs will be without two stars for certain.

As captain Heung-min Son has missed the last three games with injury, Postecoglou confirmed on Friday: "In terms of rehab, the only one is Sonny who is still going through that process, improving but not ready for Sunday.

"We'll see [if he's available to face Bodo/Glimt on Thursday]. He's improving. First time he's got out on the grass today and he said it's better than what it was. It's a day-by-day situation."

The South Korean international has scored 11 goals in all competitions this term.

And the visitors are to be without central defender Radu Dragusin too, as he has been missing from action since February after undergoing surgery on an ACL injury.

Overall it means the Reds are set to face a much stronger Spurs squad than the one that came to Anfield in the Carabao Cup two months ago as several key players have overcome their various fitness doubts.

Darwin Nunez allegedly hit out at his lack of game-time ahead of Liverpool's title decider against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday

Based on his latest message Darwin Nunez now seems ready to play his part in one of Liverpool's biggest matches in recent memory, with the club able to be crowne Premier League champions against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday. His newest post comes hours after the striker allegedly deleted a tweet hitting out at his lack of playing time this season.

The 25-year-old has made 42 appearances in all competitions for Liverpool this term, though only 17 of those have been as part of the starting XI. His goalscoring exploits have taken a nosedive with only seven strikes to his name and appeared to take aim at his current situation at the club, a cryptic post was shared to X on Saturday morning then seemingly deleted straight away.

Nunez allegedly wrote: "No wonder I didn’t play more, because the last game I started in the Premier League went well and suddenly…"

On his account, @Darwinn99, the striker since seemingly changed his profile picture, causing him to lose his blue verified tick, and posted a selfie with Alexis Mac Allister accompanied by the caption: "Good morning." The account now has its blue verified tick back.

It is a strong message to allegedly send on the eve of such an important fixture for Liverpool, but the Uruguayan at least has his mind set on the task ahead. On Saturday evening he posted a matchday graphic teeing up tomorrow's title decider.

Following Arsenal's draw with Crystal Palace last Wednesday, the Reds require only a single point from their next match to be crowned 2024/25 Premier League champions.

Nunez would hope to get back in the starting XI, though has not been in that position since Liverpool played Southampton on March 8, which was also the last time he netted.

Though he has been out of Arne Slot's starting plans of late, a report emerged from Portugal last week claiming that if Nunez is selected once more then it would be his 60th in the Premier League and Champions League combined for the Reds, who would subsequently owe a €5m (£4.2m) bonus payment to Benfica.

The ECHO understands that the striker is not being omitted for financial reasons and such ideas were rejected by Slot when speaking to the media on Friday morning.

With the Reds expected to pursue a new No.9 in the upcoming transfer window Nunez's future remains unclear.

The pundits have been having their say ahead of Premier League champions-elect Liverpool's massive match at home to Tottenham Hotspur

Liverpool are tantalisingly close to winning the Premier League. A draw or victory at home to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday and the Reds will get their hands on the top-flight title for the 20th time.

That would equal the record currently held by bitter rivals Manchester United and it would be the first time Liverpool have won the championship in front of supporters in 35 years. Their last league success, in 2020, was sadly played out behind closed doors.

Little wonder, then, that Reds supporters cannot wait for the visit of Tottenham to come around.

Thousands will line the streets before the 4.30pm kick-off before even more will cheer on Arne Slot's table-toppers inside what will be an emotional and fervent Anfield.

Few give Tottenham a chance. Not only are Ange Postecoglou's side enduring a dreadful domestic campaign - they currently sit 16th in the standings - they will also have one eye on their must-win Europa League semi-final first leg at home to Bodo/Glimt on Thursday.

It would come as a major surprise, then, if Spurs were to spoil Liverpool's party and record their first win at the ground since 2011.

And the pundits certainly believe that the Reds will roll over their under-performing opponents.

"Liverpool will win the title this weekend by winning against Tottenham," said 1995 title winner Alan Shearer to Betfair.

"However, Spurs can't afford for it to get messy after losing at home to (Nottingham) Forest and there's every chance that it could.

"It could turn ugly if Liverpool score early and the party celebrations begin at Anfield. This will definitely be a home win."

Gary Neville, who won eight Premier League titles during his career, agrees with his old rival.

Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Neville said: “A procession. It will be barbaric.

"I think it will be 4-1. Liverpool will score four. It will be one of those celebratory [afternoons]."

Chris Sutton, who was Shearer's strike partner in Blackburn's stunning success 30 years ago, is also going 4-1 to the Reds.

He told BBC Sport: "Liverpool only need a point to make sure of the title and it is going to happen against Tottenham on Sunday.

"There is an argument that Spurs, and Manchester United too, should go strong in these Premier League games to try to find the rhythm they have been lacking all season, and get the team playing the way we know they can to help them in their Europa League semi-finals.

"But I don't see Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou doing that before his side play Bodo/Glimt on Thursday and I can only see one outcome.

"Liverpool have hardly been that sharp of late but they will be determined to win the title in front of their own fans for the first time in 35 years.

"They were not able to do that when they last won the title in 2020 because of the Covid regulations at the time, so doing it now is a big deal for them.

"I am expecting them to raise their game and blow Spurs away to get the job done."

Latest Liverpool news as Virgil van Dijk issues a clear message to Reds supporters ahead of the Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur

Virgil van Dijk has issued an emotional message to Liverpool supporters ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur.

The Reds will host Spurs at Anfield in a game that could see them officially crowned Premier League champions. Liverpool need just a single point to win the league title for the 20th time in their history, after Arsenal were forced to settle for a draw against Crystal Palace in midweek.

Van Dijk has played a key role in helping guide Liverpool to within one point of the Premier League title, including his winning goal against West Ham earlier this month. The Dutchman, who recently signed a new two-year contract extension with the Reds, explained the mindset he and the squad have going into potentially a historic fixture.

“To win the Premier League is special, however and wherever you do it," Van Dijk said in Liverpool's matchday programme, via the club website.

"But to do it at Anfield, in front of the most incredible supporters in the world? That’s something else entirely. It’s our dream, it’s your dream, and our aim on Sunday is to make sure that dream comes true.

“We can only do that, however, by doing the things that have put us in this position in the first place.

“By working hard, by being together, by being willing to run and to suffer and to sacrifice for one another, for the cause. After all those months, all those games, do you think we’re going to change our approach now? No chance."

If Liverpool were to either win or draw against Tottenham, they would be confirmed as Premier League champions with four matches left to play this season. Van Dijk went on to send an emotional message to Reds supporters who will be in attendance to watch the clash against Spurs on Sunday afternoon.

“We are planning to be at our best, and we need you guys to be at yours too," Van Dijk said.

"I have spoken many times about the importance of Anfield. It really can make the difference and I can’t wait to see, hear and feel you all on Sunday. You all have a part to play.

“So be loud and be proud. Get to the stadium early and give us your support. Make the place a sea of red, a wall of noise. Sing your hearts out and let’s do this together. One more push. One more.”

With Arne Slot’s men on the brink of a 20th league title, the Liverpool vs Tottenham Hotspur matchday programme is a must have for Reds. Inside you'll find the regular columns from head coach Slot and captain Virgil van Dijk, first team features, a round up of the latest match action, a quiz and more.

Latest Liverpool news and rumours as Tottenham are handed a injury blow ahead of Sunday's Premier League meeting at Anfield

Ange Postecoglou has confirmed that Tottenham will be without club captain Son Heung-min for Sunday’s Premier League clash with Liverpool at Anfield.

Arne Slot’s side are now tantalisingly close to securing a 20th league title for the club, needing just a single point from their remaining fixtures to make a first-place finish mathematically certain.

Initially, they required all three points this weekend, but Arsenal’s surprise 2–2 draw with Crystal Palace in midweek has brought the title within touching distance.

Liverpool’s task this weekend - needing only a draw - could be made easier by the fact that Postecoglou is still managing injuries in his squad.

Spurs also face the small matter of the first leg of their Europa League semi-final in midweek, a tie in which their entire season rests on given their underwhelming league campaign.

Radu Dragusin remains a long-term absentee for Tottenham, but Postecoglou has now confirmed they will also be without their captain, Son.

The South Korea international has been sidelined for the last three matches across all competitions due to a foot injury, and he won’t be ready in time for Sunday’s meeting with Liverpool, with the priority to ensure he’s fit for their midweek game against FK Bodo/Glimt.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference later on Friday, Postecoglou told reporters: "We don't have injury problems, as such. The only one is Sonny, trying to work his way back.

"He's improving, which is positive for us, but not [fit] for Sunday. Everyone from the last game has come back well, so apart from the longer-term ones, the rest of the squad is fit and available.

"The foot element... it's weight bearing, so you need to give him some rest, some time off it, and get some treatment. The main thing was to get him off his feet for a week to allow it to settle, so he could start the process of getting back."

Liverpool, on the other hand, remain without long-term absentee Joe Gomez, though Slot confirmed on Friday that the defender could still feature before the end of the season.

Slot on Nunez clause reports

Do you always believe what journalists say? Not always? Me neither. Sometimes you should, sometimes you shouldn't believe what is written about players. It's completely new to me. Normally sporting director is judged on players come in, the last, last, last thing he would do is tell me if you play him it would cost us this much... he'd never, never do that. He never interferes with the line-up. It might be true, but if a journalist says it we have to balance it...

Slot on Bradley

He's getting closer to 90 minutes and it's normal if you play twice 70 mins the chance is getting closer. But we are taking very good care of him as he had two injuries very similar. Let's wait and see if he can play.

It's going to be important for him to play many games in a row if he wants to become a better player. But we have Trent here and that's the only reason he hasn't done so already. That might be his next step, but as long as Trent is here it might be a difficult step for him to make.

Slot on those who say PL isn't great this season

Everyone can have your opinion, and where we live it's a positive thing you can share it with everyone. As long as it comes from their own idea, that's the nice thing.

I can only tell you what I've experienced this season and can say it's never been as exciting for a top-five finish. In my opinion it's a really difficult league, there's not an easy game. But that tells you something about us. But we're not the only team to find it hard to win a game by two or three goals. Maybe Liverpool and City and Arsenals aren't as good, or the other teams have got better.

Trent Alexander-Arnold contract

After he marked his return to the Liverpool team with a match-winning goal at Leicester City last weekend, Trent Alexander-Arnold was inevitably asked about his future.

But once again, the right-back wasn't giving much away. "I've said all season, I am not going to speak on my situation, I am not going to go into details but these days like today are always special: scoring goals, winning games, being close to winning titles and being in title races, they are special moments that will live for me forever," said Alexander-Arnold.

While Real Madrid's desire to sign the England international on a free transfer when his Reds contract expires is well documented, there have been suggestions this week that he could have second thoughts on swapping Merseyside for the Spanish capital.

But when asked if Liverpool are still attempting to tie the Academy graduate down to a new deal, David Ornstein said in a Q&A for The Athletic: "As has been widely reported, Jack, he is expected to join Real Madrid as a free agent."

Liverpool fans have their say

"Wherever you’ll be following the game from, however long you’ve waited for such a day, whoever you’ll be with or you’ll be thinking of, have a brilliant time on Sunday. Let’s get Anfield bouncing and let’s win that 20th top-flight title."

So says James Noble is trhis week's edition of our Liverpool fans' jury.

Read what James and other Reds supporters are saying HERE as the Premier League title lies tantalisingly in reach.

So what's on the agenda?

Er... the Premier League title!

Arne Slot's mantra has always been one game at a time this season and no doubt he'll adopt a 'business as usual' tone at the AXA Training Centre this morning.

But even the cool-and-collected Dutchman will know just what an historic afternoon Sunday could prove to be.

Just what squad Slot has to choose from will no doubt be discussed.

And expect a question about the future of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who could be just five games away from leaving Liverpool. As a Premier League champion.

Good morning

And welcome to our live coverage of Arne Slot's press conference.

It could well be the Liverpool head coach's final one before his table-topping side are crowned Premier League champions!

A draw or a win at home to Tottenham Hotspur will seal the title and Slot will be with us at the AXA Training Centre from 9am to talk about that very possibility - and much more besides.

Son Heung-min is a big doubt for Spurs before the trip to Anfield on Sunday

In all likelihood, Tottenham Hotspur will be there to make up the numbers on Sunday at Anfield. The day will be about Liverpool and the Premier League title.

The Reds need just a draw to clinch the prize after Arsenal dropped points against Crystal Palace on Wednesday night. It means supporters are primed for a day of celebration on the red half of Merseyside.

The confidence in the fanbase comes from Liverpool's efficiency under Arne Slot, although in terms of an opposition side Tottenham could be ideal too.

Spurs were hammered 4-0 in the semi-final of the League Cup on their last visit to Anfield and have struggled for form throughout the season.

While they have managed to scramble through into the semi-finals of the Europa League, domestically they've been well below par. Ange Postecoglou's side sit in 16th going into the weekend, having lost a whopping 18 of their 33 games so far.

Speaking after the latest defeat - 2-1 against Nottingham Forest on Monday night - Postecoglou hinted that he could rotate his side for the visit to Anfield. They will play Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt in the first leg of their last-four tie in the Europa League on Thursday.

"It's a bit of a balancing act and we have to be smart about what we do," said the Tottenham boss. "We have to be ready for Thursday in a week, with our players healthy. Good test against Liverpool obviously. If we play like we did (against Forest) but keep our concentration level where we should be then we can give them a game."

The caution may also stem from the fact that injuries have been a crucial factor in Tottenham's season, with their entire defence decimated at times.

However, Postecoglou actually has a relatively fit squad to choose from going into the title showdown at Anfield.

The only major injury concern for him as things stand is captain Son Heung-min. The South Korean missed the loss to Forest with a foot issue and Postecoglou hinted that he would not be taking any risks with the injury.

"He's been dealing with a foot problem for a while, so now is as good a time as any to give him the right time to get over it," he said. "He'll definitely miss Monday [against Forest]. It's got to the point where not only was it not improving, but it was deteriorating."

The only other confirmed injury for Spurs is Radu Dragusin, who has been sidelined since February with an ACL injury.

Liverpool also have close to a full squad available, with Joe Gomez the only definite absentee.

Alan Shearer delivers vicious Tottenham verdict before Liverpool clash - 'pretty embarrassing'

The all-time Premier League top scorer has criticised Spurs' season ahead of their trip to Liverpool

It would be fair to say Alan Shearer does not think Tottenham Hotspur have much of a chance against Liverpool on Sunday. The all-time Premier League top scorer has delivered a scathing verdict on Spurs ahead of the clash at Anfield.

The home supporters will be turning up expecting to celebrate long into the night. They need just a point to be officially crowned as top-flight champions after Arsenal faltered to a draw against Crystal Palace on Wednesday.

It would represent a remarkable achievement for the team and for manager Arne Slot, who only took over from Jurgen Klopp last summer.

While the Reds are riding high, Spurs are in a tough situation. While they have been able to make progress in the Europa League - they have a semi-final first leg to come against Bodo/Glimt on Thursday - they are down in 16th place in the Premier League table.

Ange Postecoglou's side have lost a whopping 18 games from their 33 top flight matches and there are serious doubts as to whether the club keep faith with him next season.

Speaking ahead of the game, the Tottenham boss hinted that he could rotate his squad for the Liverpool clash. With a trophy up for grabs in the Europa League - and subsequent qualification for the Champions League - the league is clearly no longer their priority.

Nevertheless, in his Betfair column Shearer has taken aim at he current state of Spurs and has backed Liverpool to pile on the misery this weekend.

"It could get messy," he said. "When you look at the two teams, how could you take any Spurs players and put them into a combined XI, with how Liverpool have been in the league? So if you're asking me what the combined XI is for Spurs and Liverpool, it's Liverpool 1-11.

"That will be pretty embarrassing for any Spurs fan to read but unfortunately, it's reality.

"If you've gone through that many managers with that amount of finance then you've got to question other things. Because, we've said it all before about Tottenham.

"When you look at Nuno Espirito Santo, you look at Jose Mourinho, when you look at Conte.

"All these managers that have been there and are now being successful elsewhere - you should start to think, maybe it's not the managers.

"Ange did tell us that he always wins a trophy in his second season and he's in a semi-final. So let's see.

"If he doesn't win, then I would fear for the club. It would be a remarkable situation with how bad they've been in the league that they could go on and actually win that competition."

Arne Slot is on the cusp of immortalising himself among the Liverpool greats on Sunday against Tottenham Hotspur - a club that he turned down

Liverpool could be crowned as Premier League champions on Saturday - should they avoid defeat against Tottenham Hotspur. Head coach Arne Slot is on the cusp of joining an elite group of managers as he looks set to lead the Reds to the English top-flight in his debut season.

Few envisaged that the Dutchman would take on the baton from Jurgen Klopp so seamlessly and the Reds were completely written off for competing for the biggest prize in domestic football.

The contrasting fortunes for both Liverpool and Spurs will be analysed ahead of the two clubs' meeting, this weekend. For the man at the helm at Anfield, it could have been a different story had he made the decision to leave Feyenoord when the call from North London came.

In May 2023, Slot became one of the contenders to succeed Antonio Conte following his sacking - two months earlier. Their interest came weeks after the Dutchman had guided Feyenoord to the Eredivisie title, just their second of the century.

The Premier League had previously come calling with Leeds United also expressing an interest in appointing Slot as their new manager after Jesse Marsch was dismissed.

Speaking at the time, the head coach dismissed reports of an exit - ruling himself out of the job in North London.

"I have been hearing a lot of rumours going around about other interest in me," he said.

"Although I am thankful, my wish is to stay at Feyenoord and continue working on what we created last year.

"There is not - and there has not been - transfer conversation and yesterday's meeting was exclusively for an extension.

"All talks with the club have always been only in that sense. Looking forward to next season with Feyenoord."

Nearly two years to the month later, Slot could become the first Dutch manager to win the Premier League, doing so alongside fellow countryman Virgil van Dijk - who can also become the first Dutchman to captain a side to the top-flight silverware.

The two clubs have locked horns three times already this season with Liverpool winning two, including the second-leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final where they bounced back from their narrow defeat in the reverse fixture.

Ange Postecoglou is at the helm at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and is facing increasing scrutiny with the club staring down the barrel of their worst-ever Premier League campaign, as they sit in 16th.

During the time when Slot was the subject of interest from Spurs, there had already been a string of hirings and firings in the dugout. Following Conte's exit, he was replaced by Cristian Stellini, who was named interim manager.

But his tenure came to an end after just four matches, leaving Ryan Mason to take over for a second caretaker spell.

Slot showed no hesitation to take over at Liverpool in the summer, despite the daunting prospect of replacing his predecessor, who emphatically restored the club to the world stage, ending their wait for Premier League success.

The 46-year-old discussed his near-appointment in North London in December, he said: "The problem is that the ones who know do not want to talk about it, and the ones who don’t know do want to talk about it.

"That sometimes happens in football. I’ve always preferred not to say anything about it. It might be true, it might not be true.

"I’ll leave it with what I said back then. I was really happy that I stayed at Feyenoord. That I can say."

For those representatives of Tottenham Hotspur, in hindsight, it's a case of what could have been. And although trepidation clouded Slot's appointment, he has sensationally silenced critics so far as the parallels between the Klopp transition mimics the successful handover between Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley.

On Sunday, the Liverpool head coach can become just the second ever tactician to win the Premier League in the Reds dugout and immortalise himself among Shankly, Paisley and Sir Kenny Dalglish - against a club he rejected.

Arsenal will learn whether they are still in the Premier League title race on Sunday when Liverpool face Tottenham Hotspur after their 2-2 draw on Wednesday

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has voiced his frustration after the Gunners failed to make ground on Liverpool. The Reds now require just one point after the north London club twice relinquished their lead during Wednesday's 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace.

Jakub Kiwior got the hosts off to the perfect start after heading home the opener inside three minutes before Leandro Trossard restored the lead on the stroke of half-time, following Eberechi Eze's equaliser.

However, Jean-Philippe Mateta pounced on a mistake from William Saliba to inflict a 13th draw of the season for Arsenal in the league, keeping them further off the pace-setters, Liverpool.

Arteta's frustration was clear after Arsenal suffered a ninth draw in a match where they were leading this season, two more than any other side and the most by a team since Tottenham Hotspur in 2007-08.

Wednesday's result was a third draw out of their last five to leave them 12 points behind Liverpool.

"I'm disappointed with the result and the performance," the Spaniard said.

"We never got the consistency in many areas to completely dominate the game.

"We always had the feeling that we had the ball, we had possession, we went in front twice, but we didn't grab the game and didn't dominate and control it in the way we normally do.

"We were below the standards in some areas.

"When you're not at your best but you are two times ahead, you have to be able to see the game off and we weren't able to do it, especially with the second goal.

"We haven't been able to see games off for many reasons, and the margins have been too small."

Liverpool welcome Arsenal's north London rivals, Tottenham Hotspur, on Sunday as they look to be crowned Premier League champions in style.

With the Gunners avoiding defeat on Wednesday, it ensured that the Reds can wrap up the title on home soil, in front of a sold-out Anfield - five years after they were forced to celebrate returning to the summit of English football behind closed doors.

As it stands, Arsenal have played one game more, so Liverpool need to avoid defeat against an out-of-sorts Spurs side, who find themselves staring down an unwanted record.

If they fail to finish above 14th, they will be consigned to their worst-ever season in the Premier League and their lowest-ever league position since 1977.