Liverpool handed two massive injury boosts ahead of Chelsea trip

Liverpool travel to Stamford Bridge on matchday 7 of the Premier League on the back of two consecutive defeats at the hands of Crystal Palace and Galatasaray. Arne Slot will be hopeful of registering three points when the Reds take on Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea.

Liverpool’s spotless start to the 2024/25 campaign was stained when Slot’s men dropped three points at Selhurst Park last weekend. Their journey went further south when they made the midweek trip to Turkey to square off against Galatasaray and lost 1-0 in a frustrating defeat.

The Anfield faithful have lost their goalkeeper, Alisson Becker. The Brazilian shot stopper picked up a hamstring injury in the UEFA Champions League fixture. Despite the setbacks, Liverpool will be aiming to get back on track this weekend. Arne Slot & Co. have also been handed two positive injury updates ahead of their crunch fixture against the Blues.

Injury Updates for Saturday

Liverpool gaffer, Arne Slot, has confirmed that the duo of Hugo Ekitike and Federico Chiesa are not ruled out for the fixture against Chelsea. Like Alisson Becker, Hugo Ekitike was collateral damage in the defeat to the Turkish giants. The summer recruit was forced off the pitch. Chiesa was not involved in the game altogether as he was recovering from a niggle that he had sustained before.

Speaking to the press, Arne Slot, highlighted that the duo were in contention for the vital fixture. The Dutch manager added that Ekitike and Chiesa would train with the rest of the squad ahead of the game on Saturday. Arne Slot has been quoted as saying by the Standard:

“Hugo is going to train today again and let’s see where he is.

“The same can be said for Federico, so we have to wait and see after the session.”

Slot’s expectations

The manager is disappointed by Liverpool’s poor recent results in recent outings. However, it is vital for Arne Slot and Liverpool to get back to winning ways against the Blues. A third defeat on the bounce would mean that Liverpool would likely vacate the top spot. Slot further emphasised that the margins have become extremely fine and his team are working each day to improve themselves.

Here is what Slot said:

“The reaction after losing two games in a row you can argue if that is positive. But what I saw was a team playing until the last minute trying to get a result.

“We were different to the Palace game, winning second balls, we were like in the Palace game close to a result. I’ve said many times last season the margins are so small.

“That’s the same this season again. We are trying to find ways to be better and not just rely on luck or a set-piece or something.”

Chelsea vs Liverpool is the standout fixture on matchday 7 of the Premier League. Given Liverpool’s recent form and the Blues’ home advantage, Chelsea start the match in the driver’s seat.