Liverpool have been handed a significant and timely fitness boost ahead of their crucial Premier League encounter with Tottenham Hotspur this weekend, with scans revealing positive news for midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai.
Scan Results Offer Critical Relief for Slot
The Hungary international underwent a scan on an ankle injury sustained during the recent match against Brighton & Hove Albion. According to reports from The Athletic, the medical assessment has shown no significant structural damage, offering manager Arne Slot a potential key return for the trip to North London.
This development arrives at a pivotal moment for the Reds. The club is currently enduring a troublesome season, sitting seventh in the Premier League table. They are two points off the top four and a substantial ten points behind leaders Arsenal. Pressure has mounted on manager Arne Slot, who guided the team to the title last season, amid inconsistent form in both the domestic league and the Champions League.
Szoboszlai's Race Against Time
While the scan results are encouraging, the 24-year-old midfielder is still in a race to be fit for the Saturday fixture. It is reported that Szoboszlai has responded well to initial treatment, keeping him in contention for selection. After the Brighton game, Slot expressed cautious optimism, stating: “It didn’t look great when I just saw him. But he has an unbelievable mentality so let’s hope for the best.”
Szoboszlai's potential availability could provide a much-needed creative spark for Liverpool in a match viewed as critical to stabilising their campaign. His return would bolster a squad seeking a positive result against a direct rival.
Gomez Set for Sidelines Amidst Salah Tensions
In less positive news, defender Joe Gomez, who also picked up an injury against Brighton, is expected to miss the Tottenham clash. Although the issue is not believed to be major, the club is taking a cautious approach, effectively ruling him out. Slot confirmed this likelihood, saying: “If I have a player who goes off with a muscle injury like Joe, that’s normally not a positive thing. I would not expect him to be in the squad next week.”
The injury updates unfold against a backdrop of reported tension between Slot and star forward Mohamed Salah. This speculated rift, combined with the team's on-pitch struggles, adds to the sense of a critical period at Anfield. Speculation suggests Salah's future at the club could be in doubt following the African Cup of Nations in January.
All eyes will now be on the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this weekend, where Liverpool will be desperate for a performance and result to turn their season's momentum. The possible return of Dominik Szoboszlai could be a decisive factor in that pursuit.
