Arne Slot has delivered an important update on injuries as Liverpool prepare for their Champions League opener against Atletico Madrid.
Liverpool enter Wednesday’s showdown against Atletico Madrid at Anfield with a relatively healthy squad, but not without some lingering concerns.
Curtis Jones, who missed the trip to Burnley after the international break, remains unavailable.
His absence stems from a knock sustained in the win over Arsenal earlier this month, and recovery has taken longer than initially hoped.
Slot made the situation clear during his press conference, stressing in an interview with Liverpool FC media that Jones will not be involved in midweek:
“We have four very good midfielders fit, Endo, Mac Allister, Gravenberch and Szoboszlai, and Curtis isn’t fit.”
The manager revealed Jones is due to rejoin training sessions tomorrow, targeting a comeback in Saturday’s Merseyside derby against Everton.
It is a cautious approach from Slot, who is keen to avoid aggravating the midfielder’s issue with an early return.
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Mac Allister concern eased, Slot wary of Atletico test
Alexis Mac Allister gave Liverpool fans a scare against Burnley when he took a strong challenge from Lesley Ugochukwu, leaving him limping.
Despite completing the first half, Slot chose to replace him at halftime, balancing both the knock he took and the need to manage his minutes following international duty.
Goalkeeper Alisson later reassured supporters that there was “nothing wrong” with the midfielder beyond minor pain.
While Liverpool’s problems appear under control, Atletico Madrid arrive at Anfield in a more difficult position.
Diego Simeone is missing key players, including summer signing Julian Alvarez, alongside four other absentees through injury.
Slot, however, expects a stern challenge despite their setbacks:
“Atletico has done so well in La Liga over so many years… It’s a difficult team to face because of their mentality.”
He recalled Antoine Griezmann’s influence in their previous meeting, though he noted that Liverpool now possess players capable of matching that quality.
The Dutchman’s respect for Simeone’s resilience was clear, but so too was his confidence in the strength of his current squad.
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