Liverpool manager Arne Slot has delivered a crucial fitness update on his squad ahead of a pivotal Premier League encounter with Tottenham Hotspur this Saturday. The Reds travel to North London facing a significant injury list, with fresh concerns emerging over star midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai.
Szoboszlai Fitness Race for Tottenham Trip
The most pressing concern surrounds Hungarian international Dominik Szoboszlai, who was forced off with an ankle injury during the recent match against Brighton. Manager Slot initially admitted the situation "didn't look great," but there is now cautious optimism. Szoboszlai participated in parts of training on Thursday, December 18th, with a final decision on his availability to be made following a full assessment.
"Szoboszlai trained yesterday, parts, so let's see how he is today," Slot stated in his press conference on Friday, December 19th. "He will start if he is totally fit. It depends how he does today. If he can fill the whole session and feels comfortable, then he will start." His potential return is pencilled in for the match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on December 20th.
Gakpo, Gomez and Endo Sidelined
Liverpool will definitely be without several other key players. Dutch forward Cody Gakpo, who has seven Premier League goal contributions this season, is recovering from a muscle injury. While a recent scan was "promising," Slot confirmed Gakpo will not return before early January 2026.
Defender Joe Gomez and summer signing Jeremie Frimpong (£29.5m) remain absent. Frimpong has been out since October with a thigh issue but could return to training next week, targeting a comeback in late December. Meanwhile, midfielder Wataru Endo is facing a longer spell out with an ankle injury and is not expected back until January.
Spurs Test Amidst Salah Absence
This fixture also marks the beginning of a period without Liverpool's talisman, Mohamed Salah. The 33-year-old forward has joined Egypt for the Africa Cup of Nations and is not scheduled to return until late January, depriving Slot of a major attacking threat.
A positive result in London could prove transformative for Liverpool's season. A victory could lift the Reds into the Premier League's top four, provided other results are favourable, offering a massive boost after a spell in the bottom half of the table. Slot's injury updates will therefore be critical as he plots a path to success without several first-team regulars.
