Liverpool Echo

Szoboszlai, Gakpo, Gomez – Liverpool injuries and return dates ahead of Tottenham  Liverpool Echo

Arne Slot lays down challenges to two of his Liverpool team ahead of Saturday's Premier League trip to Tottenham Hotspur

Arne Slot has challenged Ibrahima Konate to keep up the form that has helped Liverpool keep back-to-back clean sheets ahead of Saturday's visit to Tottenham Hotspur. Konate has started every Premier League game this term alongside captain Virgil van Dijk and has seen his displays come under fire during a difficult run that saw the champions lose six times between late September and November.

However, Liverpool are unbeaten in five across all competitions and have secured three clean sheets during that time, in victories over West Ham United, Inter in the Champions League, and last week's 2-0 triumph at home to Brighton & Hove Albion.

Slot said after the 3-3 draw with Leeds United that France international Konate is "too often at the crime scene" when it came to conceding goals but the Reds boss has been pleased with the response from the former RB Leipzig defender, who is expected to start at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday evening.

"For centre-backs that is not an uncommon thing to be on the crime scene if you concede goals but he has been unlucky a few times, where he played a good game in my opinion but a moment decides the game," Slot said.

"We play a low scoring game, football, that is the nice thing about football and why teams who are not as good can also win the game, and then when you are involved in a moment like Ibou it has an immediate impact on the result. And then maybe people are not as positive about that as they should be if you look at his performances.

"But recently he has not been on the crime scene and that is the way we prefer to see him. We prefer to see all of our players [away from the crime scene], but that is not only about him.

"He has helped out recently than before, we are less vulnerable in situations than we were earlier in the season. And that has had an immediate impact on centre-backs and Ibou is a centre-back. So let's keep it like this."

Slot also asked Curtis Jones to maintain his current level after turning in eye-catching performances from the start in his last three games, the most recent of which was his 200 appearance for the Reds.

Slot added: "He has done really good in the last three games and I think that is not the first time, but maybe since I am here it is the first time that three times in a row he brings in very very good performances.

"He's had good performances in the past and then maybe the game later I didn't like the performance as much recently in his last three. It is again the challenge to go to the fourth, the fifth, the sixth game. "But I think I am not the only one who liked the way he played with so much confidence, with so much work rate, giving it all in every single moment for the team and really comfortable on the ball as well. "So his last three performances are the base for where we expect him to go on but that starts tomorrow against a difficult opponent in Spurs."

It is a question only the future can answer...we conceded more chances v Brighton than four other games combined [during unbeaten run]. We kept Inter away from danger, maybe one chance with Martinez. Brighton arrived a lot of times in our 18-yard box but we created a lot ourselves. It was good from us first half, second half was more open, a lot of nice situations in both boxes. But Brighton has a good plan and players.

"We are getting closer to the team I want us to be, and it has come with ups and downs. Make sense with all the changes in the summer and we felt we needed to. If I am honest, I didn't expect it to take this long but you have to adapt and it takes some time. We have been a bit unlucky with some referee decisions."

He's done really well in the last 3 games, and it is not the first time but maybe since I am here it is 3 times in a row for the first time very good performances. Maybe I didn't like them as much as I did recently so it is a challenge for him to go to 4th or 5th game in a row. So much confidence, so much work rate, really comfortable on the ball as well. Last 3 performances are the base for him to go on and that starts tomorrow against Spurs."

For centre-backs it is not uncommon to be at the crime scene if you concede but he has been unlucky at times and moments can decide games. When you are involved in some moments like Ibou, it has an immediate impact on the result. Recently he has not been at the crime scene and that is how we prefer to see it. But it is not only about him, he has helped out more recently than before. So we are less vulnerable than at other times in the season."

No he didn't [surpass expectations] because we knew who we had signed. He had to go off in the Brighton game after 70 minutes with cramp but he almost did double the work 3 months ago when he also went off with cramp. His ability to score, his technique, speed, he has all this, so no-one is surprised to see it. But he has improved a lot how much he runs in the games and works. That is a big help for the team as well, so that is important for No.9 as well. In our talks, I have probably told him what I expect more defensively from him than offensively. I am more excited to see what he is doing defensively."

I think it is always helpful for a manager to work on the training pitch. If you bring in players in the window, Alex, for example September 1 but you can also influence players with video meetings but I would prefer more of these weeks because you can implement new things or point out what needs improving. Next week it is the same, so I have liked it and it is a mini pre-season for us."

Winning always gives ua good feelings and spirit, especially for a team who had so many changes in the summer. The table, the first 12/13 teams are so close. Man City are getting closer to Arsenal but they are quite a way from us. Other games we have been solid defensively and that is a good base, combine with the players getting more ready to compete at PL intensity as a group, so I think we can expect more from us in upcoming part of the season. But I assume everyone would expect that as well!"

It took us 92 mins to score away against Brentford, a Thomas Frank team last season. Spurs are mainly same players, Frank, a new manager, so you cannot compare last season with this for our games with Spurs. We added a lot and lost a lot of players too, so you cannot compare with us and the results.

"I felt [we're building momentum] earlier. I hope we all see this in the results, I see we are progressing. Too many times this season, I have played players who were fit but weren't ready for 90 minutes of PL intensity. You can ask yourselves if that is true. We missed out on players who had injuries during the season, now I see them progressing fitness-wise and I see that in their performances. We are making progress, definitely, because the players are fitter for the demands. That is a good base to start from.

I have seen so many moments in games where we played well but not enough for 90 minutes."

Gakpo, had a scan that looks promising, so we're not that worried anymore that we were a few weeks ago. He will come back early but not tomorrow or next week.

Gomez not in the squad.

Szoboszlai trained y'day, parts, so let's see how he is today. Frimpong back in the squad.

I said last week, actions speak louder than words. We moved on, he was in the squad and was first sub. Now he is at AFCON, big games for him and the country, so it is fair to them and us that all the focus is over there for him and no distractions for me saying anything about his time at Liverpool here. He is there, so it is fair for that country and him and us to talk about Spurs."

Both Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur will be left without a number of players when they lock horns in the Premier League on Saturday

Arne Slot will find his options somewhat depleted when Liverpool travel to Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday. The Reds are set to welcome back Conor Bradley from suspension, after he served a one-match ban against Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend.

But having bemoaned having only 13 available senior outfield players for the clash with the Seagulls, Slot’s hand will be forced even more against Spurs despite Bradley’s return.

Joe Gomez and Dominik Szoboszlai both limped off against Brighton with hamstring and ankle injuries respectively, while the Reds will also be without Mohamed Salah after he departed for Africa Cup of Nations duty.

While Szoboszlai faces an outside chance of being fit for the trip to North London, Liverpool could find themselves without as many as seven senior players for Saturday’s game at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

They are not the only side affected by enforced absences though, with Thomas Frank also facing up to the prospect of being without eight of his players for the game.

With Slot set to offer an injury update at his pre-match press conference at 9.45am on Friday morning, the ECHO takes a look at which players are currently at risk of missing the weekend’s match…

LIVERPOOL

Giovanni Leoni - ACL

The Italian suffered an ACL injury on his debut against Southampton back in September. Undergoing surgery, he has been ruled out for the season.

Jeremie Frimpong - Hamstring

Frimpong has been sidelined since the end of October after suffering his second hamstring injury of the season against Eintracht Frankfurt. The Netherlands international is closing in on a return though, with Slot recently confirming he is expected to soon return to team training.

As a result, if passed fit, he could return to the matchday squad against Tottenham. But for now, his possible involvement remains uncertain.

Cody Gakpo - Muscle

The forward suffered an unspecified muscular injury in Liverpool’s 3-3 draw with Leeds United, with Slot confirming he was set to be missing for a number of weeks as a result.

Wataru Endo - Ankle

Like Gakpo, Endo has been missing since the Reds’ draw at Elland Road. Slot confirmed last week that the Japanese had suffered an ankle injury and would be sidelined for a number of weeks.

Joe Gomez - Hamstring

Forced off with a hamstring injury against Brighton, Slot has already confirmed that he expects Gomez to miss the trip to Tottenham. Reports suggest the injury is not too serious, but Liverpool will not wish to take any unnecessary risks with the defender, given his injury past.

Dominik Szoboszlai - Ankle

The Hungarian limped off with an ankle injury late on in Liverpool’s win over Brighton despite initially trying to play on. While the issue is not thought to be serious, a late decision will be made on whether or not he is passed fit to be involved against Tottenham.

Mohamed Salah - AFCON

Salah has now departed for Africa Cup of Nations duty ahead of Egypt’s opening game against Zimbabwe on Monday. He will definitely miss at least the Reds’ clashes with Spurs and Wolves, as well as possibly the visit of Leeds to Anfield on New Year’s Day even if the Pharaohs suffer a group-stage exit.

Should Egypt progress in the tournament, with the final taking place on January 18, Salah could miss up to a further five club matches with Liverpool travelling to Fulham and Arsenal before hosting Barnsley and Burnley, ahead of their penultimate Champions League league phase fixture away at Marseille on January 21.

Other

Slot also remains without the services of academy trio Stefan Bajcetic, Jayden Danns (both hamstring) and Kaide Gordon (meniscus) because of injury.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Dejan Kulusevski - Knee

The Swede has been absent since suffering a knee injury towards the end of last season. While Spurs hope he could return to action over the festive period, Saturday’s clash with Liverpool will likely come too soon.

Radu Dragusin - ACL

The Romanian is closing in on a return after injuring his ACL against Elfsborg back in January. He recently featured for Tottenham Under-21s in friendly clashes with Leyton Orient and Dagenham & Redbridge.

In the final stages of his rehab after stepping up his return, he is closing in on a comeback but may need more game-time before being considered for first team selection.

James Maddison - ACL

The England international injured his ACL last summer and is expected to be out for the season.

Kota Takai - Thigh

The summer signing is yet to play for Spurs having dealt with plantar fasciitis in his foot and a thigh injury since his £5m move from J1 League side Kawasaki Frontale.

However, he too featured in the Under-21s’ friendly clash with Dagenham & Redbridge as he steps up his return, though the clash with the Reds might come too soon for the 21-year-old.

Dominic Solanke - Ankle

The former Liverpool striker remains sidelined after undergoing surgery on an ankle injury and is yet to return to training.

Destiny Udogie - Hamstring

Udogie hasn’t featured for Spurs since their 2-2 draw away at Newcastle United at the start of the month after suffering a hamstring injury. Frank has confirmed the Italian won’t return until January.

Pape Matar Sarr - AFCON

Sarr has departed for Africa Cup of Nations duty and will represent Senegal in this year’s tournament.

Yves Bissouma - AFCON

The Mali international has also departed for Africa Cup of Nations duty, though he has not been selected by Frank this season regardless, and was recently suspended by Spurs for disciplinary reasons.

Our ECHO Jury have their say on the latest goings on at Anfield ahead of Saturday's trip to Tottenham Hotspur

Liverpool have enjoyed a relatively quiet week after back-to-back victories over Inter Milan and Brighton saw the Reds' season shift back towards the tracks, and Arne Slot will now have Tottenham Hotspur in his sights this weekend.

The Reds head to North London on a five-match unbeaten run and no doubt recalling last season's fine 6-3 victory over Spurs which cemented their position at the top of the table.

Liverpool remain a long way from such lofty heights now, but spirits are high among our Reds jury as they survey the scene ahead of another big weekend.

Here's what they think about the latest goings on at Anfield.

Rhys Buchanan

Have Liverpool turned a corner? After the season we’ve had with many false dawns, I think even the most optimistic of Liverpool fans will need a few more performances and results to truly believe the tide has turned.

With that being said you can’t not take enormous heart from our respective wins against Inter Milan and then Brighton last weekend. Not only have obvious names like Dominik Szoboszlai and Hugo Ekitike stepped up and delivered, I’ve been equally excited by the likes of Curtis Jones who had backed up his comments a few weeks ago with positive performances on the pitch.

Overall there seems to be a fluidity and flow about our play which is what seems to be a huge positive. I think the Reds have every reason to feel buoyed and confident heading into tomorrow’s clash against Spurs in what looks like a good time to play the North London side.

Yet in front of a home crowd with speculation about the manager’s future, they’re also a team needing results fast so it should be a gripping and fun encounter to watch.

Andrew Cullen

There is a bit more Christmas cheer in the air. A sturdy, gritty win against Inter, followed by a convincing win against Brighton has lifted spirits. The Salah tempest has settled, for now at least. It is still worrying though that the issue has been brushed under the carpet; it feels like a storm which could appear as quickly as it disappeared.

In a strange season with more failings than successes so far, there have been some small success stories. Szoboszlai continues to underline his leadership qualities, performing in an underperforming team.

Ekitike too has been a bright spark. Although he has been brought into a turbulent, changing, and chaotic front line, his quality hasn’t dimmed. He has a Torres-like quality to his play. The quandary for Slot is that Isak cannot be a luxury bench player.

But what can you do you when Ekitike continues to produce? Slot needs to be bold and lead with Ekitike as his star player. Competition for places should ignite the talent that we have, and once our talent ignites, we should start to see some stability and then success.

This season has felt like one step forward, 12 steps back. It would be uplifting if we could now get some momentum building, so we can salvage what has been a stuttering start to the season.

James Noble

Football, and its accompanying noise, changes quickly. That’s not exactly news, but hey. There are almost always broader patterns and trajectories, though, which can offer an overarching sense of direction.

Liverpool’s direction of travel this season has often appeared tough to read. It will, almost certainly, continue to fluctuate somewhat, but there’s now evidence of relatively sustained headway. Five unbeaten, featuring three wins and three clean sheets, is something for Arne Slot’s team to work from.

First and foremost, clearly, a collective effort. Yet, as ever, there are notable individual storylines weaved in.

Hugo Ekitike, rightly, took much of the acclaim at Anfield on Saturday, as his superbly taken double secured a valuable 2-0 win over Brighton and Hove Albion and capped another rounded display from the 23-year-old. 10 goals in all competitions now, and so much encouragement.

Curtis Jones is another who has acted as a driving force, in and out of possession and on and off the pitch, while Miloš Kerkez continues to grow into the left-back role.

Dominik Szoboszlai has epitomised consistency, and Joe Gomez has stepped in classily recently– the concern around their respective injury issues reflects the level of their contributions, but the early indications appear quietly encouraging.

While seemingly ongoing, the situation around Mohamed Salah developed promisingly prior to his AFCON departure, too. Hopefully, that broader upward trajectory can continue at Tottenham on Saturday evening.

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Latest on Dominik Szoboszlai's hopes of being declared fit for Saturday's trip to Tottenham Hotspur

Dominik Szoboszlai is facing a race against time to be declared fit for Liverpool's trip to Tottenham Hotspur.

And a decision will now likely be taken on Friday ahead of the trip to North London the following day as Arne Slot's men look to make it six unbeaten in all competitions.

Szoboszlai has been one of the standout players of a difficult campaign so far for Slot's Premier League champions and has started all 16 fixtures of the Reds' league term, filling in as a right-sided full-back on occasion due to injuries and suspension to the likes of Jeremie Frimpong, Conor Bradley and most recently Joe Gomez.

However the Hungary captain picked up an ankle injury during Saturday's 2-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion and was withdrawn in the second period for Federico Chiesa. Prior to that late substitution at Anfield, Szoboszlai had played every minute for Slot in the league.

A decision is now expected to be taken over his inclusion for the travelling squad on Friday, with Slot set to speak to the media to preview the game from 9.45am at the AXA Training Centre in Kirkby.

A fit Szoboszlai would be a significant boost for Slot given the form of the former RB Leipzig midfielder. The 2023 signing has arguably been the Reds' most consistent performer and the hope is that he will be able to declare himself ready for the trip to face Thomas Frank's side in the capital.

Joe Gomez is expected to miss the game after suffering what was feared to be a hamstring issue in the first half of Saturday's victory over Brighton but Conor Bradley is once more available for selection after serving a one-match ban against the Seagulls.

Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has been tipped as the ideal candidate to take over at one major Premier League rival

Jurgen Klopp has been touted for an unexpected Premier League comeback, with Tottenham Hotspur being encouraged to appoint the ex-Liverpool manager. The rallying call was made by the club's former chairman, Lord Alan Sugar.

Klopp has been away from management since departing Anfield at the end of the 2023/24 campaign, following nearly nine years at the helm of Liverpool. He has since taken on a position as Red Bull's head of global football, though rumours of a return to the touchline continue to circulate.

Most recently his name has been mentioned in connection with the Real Madrid vacancy as Xabi Alonso faces mounting pressure following a difficult spell at the Bernabeu, but now a surprising return to England has been mooted.

Lord Sugar called on the Reds' next opponent, Spurs, to pursue Klopp as their next manager, with current head coach Thomas Frank coming under increasing scrutiny after an inconsistent start to the campaign.

The north Londoners are languishing in 11th place in the Premier League following a 3-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest on Sunday - their sixth league loss of the season so far, fuelling questions about Frank's position.

Writing on X after the match, Lord Sugar proposed that the club should make a determined effort to bring in Klopp as the Dane's successor.

"With the massive fortune of the Lewis family it would be a win-win situation if they hired Jurgen Klopp in January," the star of The Apprentice said.

"Loads of money for players and a great manager. Who agrees?"

However, Klopp himself appears to be amongst those who wouldn't be in agreement. The 58 year old has displayed minimal appetite for returning to management, though he hasn't entirely dismissed the possibility.

What he has categorically rejected, however, is any chance of managing another Premier League club besides Liverpool.

"If you ask me, 'Will you ever work as a manager again?' I would say now no," Klopp remarked following his announcement to depart the Reds.

"But I don't know obviously how that will feel because I never had the situation. What I know definitely – I will never, ever manage a different club in England than Liverpool, 100 per cent. That's not possible. My love for this club, my respect for the people is too big. I couldn't.

"I couldn't for a second think about it. There's no chance. This is part of my life, we are part of the family, we feel home here. There's no chance to do that. But all the rest, will I ever work again? Of course, I know myself, I cannot just sit around."

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Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven has opened up on playing alongside Virgil van Dijk for Netherlands and named Alexander Isak as his toughest Premier League opponent

Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven has discussed what it's like playing alongside Virgil van Dijk for the Netherlands and revealed his most challenging opponent. The Dutch international has established himself as one of the Premier League's finest defenders since his move to north London from Wolfsburg in August 2023.

Van de Ven has built a rock-solid centre-back partnership with Christian Romero that played a crucial role in Spurs lifting the Europa League last season - the club's first major silverware in 17 years.

Speaking to the Overlap, the 24-year-old reflected on his time in English football so far - including his bond with Liverpool's Van Dijk. The duo are expected to anchor the Netherlands' backline at next summer's World Cup finals.

He said: "We have a good relationship – we speak on the pitch, and I also speak with him off the pitch. Everybody can see he's an unbelievable defender.

"It's always good to play next to him because you always know what he can do. You trust him and you know what he can do, and what he can bring into the game – I have a good relationship with him."

Van de Ven has also singled out Liverpool's Alexander Isak as his toughest adversary. The Swedish striker has found life difficult following his £125m transfer to Anfield, though he established himself as one of the world's elite forwards during his time at Newcastle.

He added: "Last season, we played against Newcastle in the game we lost and I slipped, Alexander Isak was different level.

"At this point, I knew he was a top player. I always knew he was good, but this game was when I saw it first-hand.

"His movement, he's technical, he's fast and he's a top finisher, and he's just an all-round top player."

Amid fierce criticism of how he handled his move to Merseyside - Isak said in September that people do not have the "full picture" on the details of his transfer.

Speaking to the Swedish media, he said: "Not everyone has the full picture, but that's something for another day.

"That's part of football. I can't control everything that is said or written but I'm glad I became a Liverpool player. That's what I wanted and I'm happy about that.

"There is a lot to discuss, and it can be discussed for a long time. It has been educational, and I'm happy with the final result.

"I'm happy and proud to be a Liverpool player. I don't want to go into details or talk about that situation too much.

"It is a closed chapter, but I have never had any problems."

The latest Liverpool news, views and transfer rumours as Arne Slot's side prepare to face Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon

Following a victory over Brighton and Hove Albion in the Premier League, Arne Slot is now focusing on this Saturday's match against Tottenham Hotspur. Liverpool are currently on a five-game unbeaten streak in all competitions and have a full midweek to prepare for their clash with Spurs.

Dominik Szoboszlai and Joe Gomez were the unfortunate casualties of the match against The Seagulls, with Slot confirming that Gomez is likely to be absent from this weekend's game against Thomas Frank's team. However, there's a glimmer of hope for Szoboszlai, who may still play despite an ankle injury.

After 16 matches in the league, Liverpool sit in seventh place with 26 points. They're just two points shy of the top four, with Chelsea currently occupying that spot ahead of Crystal Palace, Manchester United and the Reds.

Ahead of the festive fixture on Saturday, Mirror Football provides an update on the latest news from Anfield.

Marc Guehi transfer update

The Manchester Evening News has reported that Manchester City have added Marc Guehi to their transfer shortlist, putting Liverpool under pressure to secure his services in the January transfer window.

The centre-back was on the brink of joining the Reds in the summer window, but the £35million deal fell through on deadline day. His current contract with Palace expires in the summer and he won't be renewing his agreement with the club.

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish pulled the plug on the transfer after Palace couldn't line up a suitable replacement, which would have been vital for their European campaign this season.

Alongside Liverpool and City, Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich are also said to be monitoring his situation. Guehi is undoubtedly amongst the most coveted defenders on the planet at present.

Reflecting on the failed transfer earlier this month, Guehi commented: "I think everyone has this perception that it was difficult. Actually, it wasn't difficult. It wasn't difficult at all. Because when you're focused on what's the most important thing, it becomes easy.

"I know that God has a plan for me, and whatever that plan will be, will come into fruition at some point. But the goal and the focus has always been playing football and trying to do the best I can. And fortunately for me, I get to to it with people like Max (Lacroix)."

Goalkeeper sets sights on European glory

Liverpool's Ajax loanee Vitezslav Jaros harbours ambitions of returning to Merseyside and establishing himself as a key player for the club.

The 24-year-old goalkeeper also dreams of lifting the Champions League trophy with Liverpool, though he's currently Ajax's first-choice keeper after being third in the pecking order under Slot last term. "If I say I'm satisfied, how can I improve?" he questioned in an interview with De Telegraaf.

"When I'm ready to become Liverpool's first-choice goalkeeper - especially with two formidable competitors like Alisson Becker and Giorgi Mamardashvili - is difficult to say.

"Because taking their place isn't easy. But that's ultimately the goal. And once I succeed, I want to win the Champions League. I'm 24 years old, but I've moved around a lot and - partly due to a few loan spells as a Liverpool goalkeeper - I've already played for eight clubs.

"The path to the top is simply different for goalkeepers than for outfield players. Especially in England, when you play for one of the biggest clubs in the world, you don't get that chance until you're eighteen or nineteen. So I felt I needed to gain experience elsewhere, and the club agreed. It's made me stronger and better.

"I'm really pleasantly surprised (about the quality in the Netherlands). There are many great and big clubs in the Netherlands with quality players, which means many matches are close and difficult to win. And the stadiums may not be as impressive as in the Premier League, but they're still very nice. And you hardly see any empty seats."