Sun Oct 20 18:00:34 UTC 2024: Liverpool faced several challenges ahead of their match against Chelsea, as five first-team players were absent during training on Friday. Key points from the article include:
1. **Absent Players**: Alexis Mac Allister missed training due to an adductor problem, despite participating in Argentina’s World Cup qualifiers. Kostas Tsimikas was also absent due to illness, while Federico Chiesa was missing with an unspecified injury.
2. **Injury Updates**: Alisson and Harvey Elliott are dealing with long-term injuries, further depleting the squad.
3. **New Additions**: Wataru Endo joined training after missing international duty, and U21s left-back James Norris was brought in to cover for Tsimikas.
4. **Returning Players**: Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah returned to training after withdrawing from international play early, while Curtis Jones rejoined the squad after paternity leave.
5. **Expected Changes**: Coach Arne Slot is likely to make several changes to the starting lineup for the Chelsea match, including goalkeeper Kelleher replacing Alisson. Dominik Szoboszlai, Andy Robertson, and Luis Diaz are anticipated to return to the starting side.
Overall, Liverpool is managing various player absences carefully as they prepare for the upcoming match against Chelsea.
First Piper 