Liverpool could be without four players for Sunday’s Premier League trip to Fulham, where a win would move the Reds to within 10 points of securing the title.
Those chances could be impacted by the absences of two key starters. Alisson missed out on Wednesday’s Merseyside derby after he failed a concussion test ahead of the game. Caoimhin Kelleher replaced him and kept a clean sheet against the Toffees, and, while Alisson’s absence would be felt at Craven Cottage, having such a reliable back-up softens the blow.
It’s also worth noting that, as per the FA’s concussion guidelines, players should wait three weeks from the date of the original injury before returning to play. Should that protocol be followed – something that often isn’t by Premier League clubs – it would prevent Alisson playing on Sunday given the gap since he sustained the injury on international duty is a little over two weeks.
“With Ali it is simple. It is a concussion and we have to tick all the boxes. The moment he does, he will be in goal. But we are following the protocol,” Slot said on Thursday.
Elsewhere, right-back has proved to be a problem position in recent weeks due to the injuries of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez. Only one of the trio could possibly return this weekend.
“Trent and Joe will not be back in the upcoming weeks,” Slot said on Thursday. “Conor, we have to wait and see if he is ready to be with the squad for Sunday.
The Northern Irishman has returned to training recently as his absence due to a hamstring issue approaches two months. If he is not available, Curtis Jones or Jarell Quansah will likely start at right-back. The former played there against Everton in midweek and put in an assured performance.
The only other injury concern for Liverpool is Alexis Mac Allister, after he was on the receiving end of James Tarkowski’s robust tackle on Wednesday night. The Argentinian midfielder was fortunate to escape unharmed and completed the full 90 minutes.
“The boys aren’t in yet but I hope that because he finished the game that Macca is okay,” Slot said when asked about Mac Allister. “Sometimes the adrenaline helps you get through the game. But I hope and expect that everyone who played against Everton is okay for Sunday.
Mac Allister has since been pictured back at Liverpool’s Kirkby training base and is expected to start alongside Ryan Gravenberch at the base of midfield against Fulham.
As for Fulham, Kenny Tete could be available again following a four-month absence. Reiss Nelson and Harry Wilson are the only players who will definitely miss out for the Cottagers, who remain in the mix for the European spots.
