Sat Sep 20 09:20:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Ahead of Saturday’s Merseyside derby, Liverpool manager Arne Slot anticipates having a full squad to choose from, with Curtis Jones returning to contention. However, the team will assess player fitness after their recent Champions League match, particularly regarding Alexander Isak’s involvement. Everton manager David Moyes remains uncertain about the availability of Jarrad Branthwaite and Vitalii Mykolenko, but praises James Garner’s versatility and current form.

**News Article:**

**Liverpool’s Slot Optimistic About Full Squad for Merseyside Derby; Everton Sweat on Defensive Duo**

**LIVERPOOL, England -** Liverpool manager Arne Slot is hopeful of having a fully fit squad available for selection as they prepare to host Everton in the highly anticipated Merseyside derby on Saturday. Curtis Jones returns to contention for the Reds.

However, Slot is keeping a close eye on his players’ fitness levels following their hard-fought 3-2 Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid on Wednesday. Summer signing Alexander Isak, who made his debut in that match, will also be assessed.

“We had recovery yesterday. Actually, we’re going to train this afternoon, so first of all we have to see how they all feel,” Slot stated. “What I do know is that Alex did feel his body more maybe than ever before after the 60 minutes he played.”

Across Stanley Park, Everton manager David Moyes faces uncertainty over the availability of defenders Jarrad Branthwaite and Vitalii Mykolenko, both recovering from injury.

“They’re making progress and we’ll see,” Moyes said regarding the defensive duo. “We’ve got a couple of other knocks within the camp but we’ll see how they are.”

In Mykolenko’s potential absence, James Garner could continue to deputize at left-back, a position Moyes has been impressed with. “Jimmy is playing as well as any player at the moment,” Moyes asserted. “He’s had to play a few games at left-back and I have to say, he’s done a really good job there as well.”

The derby kicks off at 12:30 PM on Saturday, with Liverpool aiming to maintain their strong start to the season and Everton looking to build on their recent improved form.

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