Liverpool are eager to get back to winning form as they prepare to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge this Saturday. However, current Liverpool manager Arne Slot has fresh injury concerns to address before the match. With key players potentially sidelined, Slot faces a challenge in crafting a winning lineup against a tough opponent.
Alisson Becker ruled out of Chelsea clash
Alisson Becker is the latest player to join the injury list, having sustained a hamstring injury during the Champions League match against Galatasaray. He joins Giovanni Leoni, who is also sidelined with a knee injury. The absence of Alisson is a significant blow for Liverpool’s defensive stability.
Meanwhile, Federico Chiesa (knock) and Hugo Ekitike (thigh) are also doubtful for the game. Both players are undergoing late fitness tests to determine their availability. The current Liverpool manager addressed these concerns in his pre-match press conference, leaving fans anxious about their potential inclusion in the squad.
Slot commented, “Hugo is going to train today again and let’s see where he is, and the same can be said for Federico. We have to wait and see after the session where exactly they are.” The uncertainty surrounding Chiesa and Ekitike adds to the selection dilemmas facing the manager.
Giorgi Mamardashvili to deputise for Liverpool
With Alisson sidelined, Giorgi Mamardashvili is set to start in goal for Liverpool. Slot also discussed Alisson’s absence, saying, “That depends also on how fast a recovery goes. So, Saturday it’s clear, he’s not going to play for Brazil, and I would be surprised if he would be there in the first game after the international break.”
Slot continued, “But from there on, sometimes things can go a bit faster or a bit slower. It’s always difficult to say the amount of days and weeks, but for the upcoming games he will not be part of us or the Brazil team.” Mamardashvili’s opportunity arrives at a critical juncture for Liverpool.
Predicted Liverpool starting XI against Chelsea
Liverpool are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation against Chelsea. The predicted lineup includes Giorgi Mamardashvili in goal, with a backline of Jeremie Frimpong, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk, and Milos Kerkez. This defensive setup aims to provide a solid foundation against Chelsea’s attacking threats.
In midfield, Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch are likely to form the double pivot. Dominik Szoboszlai is expected to play in the number 10 role, while Alexander Isak leads the attack. Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah are predicted to be the two wide attackers, providing pace and creativity in the final third.
Predicted Liverpool XI vs Chelsea: Mamardashvili; Frimpong, Konate, van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Isak.
As Liverpool prepare for this crucial match against Chelsea, the focus will be on how the team adapts to the enforced changes. The performance of Mamardashvili in goal and the effectiveness of the forward line will be key factors in determining Liverpool’s success at Stamford Bridge.
