Liverpool boss Arne Slot provides clear update when asked if Alisson Becker, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Diogo Jota will be fit to play vs Real Madrid
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has offered injury updates on Alisson Becker, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Diogo Jota ahead of his side's upcoming clash against Real Madrid.
The Anfield outfit have been without Alisson for over six weeks due to a hamstring injury. On the other hand, Alexander-Arnold is nursing a low-grade hamstring tear, while Jota is still recovering from his rib issue.
Ahead of Liverpool's Premier League game at Southampton this Sunday, Slot was asked to shed light on Alisson's injury recovery. He responded (h/t Liverpool Echo):
"We're careful with everyone when it comes to muscles. He is back in training with goalkeeping coach and not training with the team but that is expected soon. Let's wait and see where he is in terms of match fitness, getting better and better but not ready."
Providing injury updates on four other first-team stars, Slot added:
"Virgil [van Dijk] is all good... trained with us today. Trent is not training yet but he is getting there, we expect him back soon. Jota is still the same as Federico [Chiesa] who is coming back into the session after one exercise today. All expected back in a few weeks but last part of recovery is always the hardest, so let's wait and see."
Queried if Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, and Jota will be fit for their UEFA Champions League tie against Real Madrid on November 27, he replied:
"We'll have to wait and see because the last week is always tricky because it's isolated to group sessions so it is difficult to judge. So, I cannot say if it will be one or two or three days. I don't expect Alisson and Jota to be fit for that game. Trent, we will see."
How have Liverpool fared under Arne Slot and how good is their record against Real Madrid?
Liverpool have opened their new era under Arne Slot on a fine note this campaign. They have recorded 15 wins and just one loss in 17 matches across competitions, scoring 39 goals and conceding just 10 goals.
The Reds, who have lost two UEFA Champions League finals to Real Madrid, are on an eight-game winless run against the La Liga giants. They have lost seven of their past eight matches against Los Blancos.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, have registered 11 triumphs and three defeats in 17 overall outings this campaign. Carlo Ancelotti's team have lost two of their last three total matches, conceding seven goals.