Liverpool will return to Premier League action on Sunday when they host Chelsea in what promises to be an exciting match.
Fortunately, it appears the Reds have not sustained any new injuries during the international break.
Alexis Mac Allister, who came off during Liverpool’s 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace, missed Argentina’s 1-1 draw against Venezuela last Thursday.
However, he returned to the starting lineup as the World Cup champions, inspired by the magical Lionel Messi, secured a 6-0 home win over Bolivia early this morning.
Curtis Jones also left the England squad following a late call-up by interim boss Lee Carsley.
The reason for his departure soon became clear: he has become a father for the first time.
There remains a slight question mark over midfielder Wataru Endo, who missed Japan’s clash with Australia on Tuesday after missing training the day before due to illness.
If Endo recovers, Liverpool head coach Arne Slot will have to contend with two absences: goalkeeper Alisson Becker, who is definitely out, and Harvey Elliott, who is unlikely to be ready to play.
Additionally, Federico Chiesa’s fitness remains uncertain after he missed the two matches before the international break.
For Chelsea, four players are definitely ruled out.
Key absences include Spain’s Euro 2024-winning left-back Marc Cucurella and French centre-back Wesley Fofana, both of whom are suspended after receiving their fifth bookings of the season during a heated 1-1 home draw with Nottingham Forest.
Following that match, both clubs were charged by the FA for failing to control their players amid a mass confrontation.
Midfielder Omari Kellyman is also out, still waiting to make his Chelsea debut after arriving from Aston Villa over the summer, having sustained a hamstring injury last month.
Additionally, there is doubt surrounding another midfielder, Carney Chukwuemeka, who has missed Chelsea’s last two matches due to illness.
While captain Reece James has returned to training, it would be surprising if he were to be thrown back into action against Liverpool.
James has played just under 800 minutes in the past 18 months.
In further injury news for Chelsea, goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen was substituted due to injury in the first half of Denmark Under-21s’ match against Iceland.
The 22-year-old, who joined Chelsea in a £20 million deal from Villarreal this summer, was replaced at half-time after colliding with a teammate during Denmark’s 2-0 win.
Jorgensen has yet to feature in the Premier League for Enzo Maresca’s side but has played in the Conference League and Carabao Cup.
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