The Premier League season is reaching a dramatic climax, with the title race, European qualification spots, and the battle against relegation all set to be decided. A host of managers are holding press conferences today, and Daily Mail Sport brings you the latest updates.
Alisson's Fitness Doubt for Old Trafford Trip
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker is in a race against time to be fit for Sunday's crucial Premier League match against Manchester United at Old Trafford, according to manager Arne Slot. The Brazilian number one has missed the last six games due to a hamstring problem, and with backup Giorgi Mamardashvili also injured, third-choice goalkeeper Freddie Woodman was forced to deputize last week.
Alisson is hopeful of being available for the match, which could prove decisive for both teams' final league positions. However, he has yet to train and remains a doubt. Slot commented: 'Ali hasn't trained with us yet. He is very close to training with us. I have to hear today from the medical staff to see if he is ready to train today, either tomorrow or the start of next week.'
Slot emphasized the need for caution: 'He is very close, but also we don't want to take any risks. That is not what you do with a player and that is not what we do now. I think there is a difference between a goalkeeper and an outfield player because if a player hasn't trained in a few weeks, outfield players need to run more than goalkeepers do.'
Mohamed Salah's Injury Update
Slot also expressed his relief regarding Mohamed Salah's hamstring injury, which he sustained last week. There were fears that the Egyptian forward might be sidelined for the remainder of the season, but Slot confirmed that the injury is minor and Salah is expected to return for the final part of the campaign.
'As we know from Mo, he is always working incredibly hard when he is fit, but also when he is injured to be back as soon as possible,' Slot said. 'Usually, he is fit sooner than other players when he has a minor injury - so we expect him back for the final part of the season, but not for Sunday.'
Slot added: 'In all ways, it is a big relief that his injury is minor and that he is able to play for us and at the World Cup. If there is any time a player deserves to have a big send-off, it is definitely him.'
Other Team News
Slot also confirmed that left-back Milos Kerkez should be fit after experiencing some minor niggles during the week.
