Liverpool manager Arne Slot has delivered a mixed bag of fitness updates ahead of his side's crucial Premier League meeting with Sunderland at Anfield on Wednesday evening. The Reds are chasing another vital three points following their victory over West Ham, but will have to navigate the contest without several key players.
Liverpool's Defensive Concerns
Arne Slot confirmed that three players will definitely miss the midweek fixture. The most significant long-term absence remains young defender Giovanni Leoni, who suffered a devastating Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury in September and is expected to be sidelined for approximately a year.
There was more positive news regarding two other defenders, though neither will be ready for the Sunderland game. Conor Bradley has taken a major step forward by rejoining team training, but Slot urged caution regarding his return. "Conor got into a training session yesterday for the first time, team training," the Dutch coach stated. "He's not everything 100 per cent yet so we have to manage that a little bit."
The manager indicated that a comeback for the weekend clash with Leeds United is a more realistic target for Bradley.
Frimpong's Road to Recovery
Fellow full-back Jeremie Frimpong, who has been out since October with a muscle issue, is also progressing. Slot revealed that Frimpong is expected to rejoin training next week, but will still miss at least three more matches as he builds up his fitness. "Jeremie, at least, will be training with us but he will miss out on at least three more games, for example," Slot explained.
The continued absence of both specialist right-backs has forced Slot to improvise in recent weeks, with midfielders Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones, as well as centre-back Joe Gomez, all filling in on the right side of defence during the last three fixtures.
Sunderland's Selection Headaches
The injury issues are not confined to the home dressing room. Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris also provided updates on his squad ahead of the 8:15pm kick-off at Anfield.
Mouhamadou Habib Diarra remains unavailable as he continues his recovery from groin surgery. There is concern, however, surrounding Noah Sadiki, who sustained a facial injury in the weekend win against Bournemouth. Le Bris is hopeful Sadiki will be able to play, but admitted the player "suffered and he still is now."
In more encouraging news for the Black Cats, defenders Dennis Cirkin and Leo Hjelde are nearing a return to the first-team fold after featuring for the Under-21s last week. "They are really close which is good news," Le Bris added, highlighting the importance of having a fully-fit squad.
Implications for the Anfield Encounter
The cumulative absences for both sides could significantly shape the tactical battle. Liverpool's makeshift right-back situation may be an area Sunderland look to exploit, while the Black Cats will need to assess Sadiki's readiness to lead their line. With both teams desperate for points for differing reasons, managing these squad deficiencies will be a key test for Slot and Le Bris.
The fixture promises to be a compelling Premier League encounter, with team news and last-minute fitness tests set to play a decisive role in the outcome at Anfield.
