Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has described Harvey Elliott’s injury as a ‘big blow’ to the team, but new signing Federico Chiesa and Alexis Mac Allister could be available for selection this weekend.
The Reds are looking to make it four wins out of four to start the season when they host Nottingham Forest at Anfield on Saturday.
They will have to do so without Elliott after he suffered a fractured foot on England Under-21s duty, which will sideline him for up to six weeks.
The 21-year-old had only made one appearance off the bench so far this season, but was in line for more minutes during a congested schedule over the next month. Liverpool will play once every three or four days as the Uefa Champions League returns.
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Liverpool injury update
“Harvey’s injury is, of course, not a just big disappointment for him but also for us,” said Slot. “He didn’t play a lot in the first three games but he showed himself really well in pre-season.
“He would have had a lot of playing time in the upcoming fixtures but that goes to someone else. It’s a blow for us and for him. We play seven games in 22 days or something like that.”
Mac Allister was a doubt heading into this weekend after coming off with tightness in his calf during Argentina’s 3-0 win over Chile last Friday. But Slot revealed the midfielder has returned to training and should be in the matchday squad against
“He was out in the last game, but he trained with us yesterday. Harvey Elliott is out for a longer time, but I’m expecting Macca to be with us tomorrow.”
Meanwhile, Chiesa could be in line to make his Liverpool debut following his £12.5m move from Juventus.
“Federico has trained with the team three or four times so let’s see how he does today with the decision I make. We have more than 20 players,” Slot said.
Asked if there was any concern over the team losing momentum after the international break, the Dutchman responded: “That’s always the question after two weeks [between games], but if you saw them play with their national team then the moment is still there.
“Nottingham Forest haven’t lost this season yet, I think they won the last two games of last season too.”
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