Liverpool vs Chelsea: Key Returns Boost Anfield Hopes
Anfield braces for Chelsea as Slot welcomes key Liverpool returns
Arne Slot will send Liverpool out against a wounded Chelsea on Saturday lunchtime with the mood around Anfield still heavy, but his squad finally beginning to look a little healthier.
The Dutchman confirmed that Alexander Isak is back in the fold after the Swedish striker missed the defeat to Manchester United with a minor injury. Isak trained with the group on Thursday and is in contention to feature against the Londoners.
“Alex trained with us again yesterday for the first time. All good,” Slot said. “He did parts of it, hopefully he can do parts or everything today and we see how much we are going to use him.”
Isak’s return offers Liverpool a badly needed attacking focal point with Mohamed Salah still sidelined by a hamstring problem. Salah, like Alisson Becker, is “very very close”, Slot said, but neither will be available for Chelsea.
Mamardashvili surprise as Alisson ruled out
Alisson’s continued absence opens the door to an unexpected name. Giorgi Mamardashvili, initially thought to be at least a week away after suffering a nasty gash in the win over Everton last month, is suddenly back in the frame.
“Alisson not yet, Giorgi today for first time,” Slot revealed, indicating the Georgian could be asked to step in as deputy sooner than anticipated.
Mamardashvili’s recovery reshapes Liverpool’s goalkeeping picture at a crucial moment. With Champions League qualification within touching distance, Slot may have to lean on a keeper who has only just rejoined full training.
Konate and Wirtz ready despite disrupted week
There was better news on Ibrahima Konate and Florian Wirtz. Both missed training earlier in the week, but both are expected to feature.
Slot explained that Konate’s absence on Wednesday was due to a personal matter rather than injury, while Wirtz had been under the weather. “Ibou had a personal reason for not training on Wednesday but was yesterday and today, and Florian was a bit unwell but trained yesterday as well,” he said.
For a Liverpool side that has looked stretched and flat at key points of the campaign, the sight of Konate and Wirtz back on the grass offers some measure of reassurance.
Champions League within reach, frustration still lingers
The stakes on Saturday are clear. Beat Chelsea at Anfield and Liverpool will all but lock in a place in next season’s Champions League, securing what the club views as the bare minimum in a season that has failed to catch fire.
The context is unforgiving. Slot knows three wins to close out the campaign – Chelsea at home, Aston Villa away, Brentford at Anfield – will not wash away the frustration that has built up.
“This season has gone in a way that even if we have three wins and positive performances, I don't think anyone will be positive about the season,” he admitted. “It's important we get at least one win over the line which might be enough. We are trying to do it in the best possible way, performance-wise.”
That is the tightrope now: deliver results, but do it with a level of performance that hints at something more durable.
Chelsea in freefall under interim boss
Across the halfway line comes a Chelsea side in disarray. Interim boss Calum McFarlane brings his team to Anfield on the back of six straight league defeats, a run in which they have scored just once. Ninth in the table, their season has lurched from concern to crisis.
On paper, Liverpool could hardly ask for a more vulnerable visitor at this stage of the campaign. In reality, a desperate opponent can be dangerous, and Slot is well aware that Anfield has seen too many twists to take anything for granted.
“The positive thing is a few of the players who can be really important for us are either coming back at the weekend or after the weekend. That will help us,” he said.
Help, yes. Heal, no. Not yet.
“Three wins won't silence the criticism. Therefore we need to have a much longer run of result and performances.”
The immediate task is simpler and more brutal. Beat Chelsea, secure Europe’s top table, and at least give a restless Anfield something concrete to hold onto before the real rebuilding begins.
