As the Premier League takes a brief pause for international duties, attention turns to the fitness of key players for Liverpool and Chelsea ahead of their highly anticipated showdown on October 20th at Anfield.
Liverpool heads into this break sitting atop the league, buoyed by a strong performance before the international window.
LiverpoolWorld revealed that Eighteen players from the Reds have received call-ups for their respective national teams, including the recently signed Giorgio Mamardashvili, who will represent Georgia in Nations League matches against Ukraine and Albania.
However, as Liverpool gears up to face a formidable Chelsea side-currently unbeaten in their last seven matches-the team must brace itself for some injury challenges.
One of the most pressing concerns for Liverpool is the potential absence of goalkeeper Alisson, who exited the match against Crystal Palace due to a suspected hamstring injury. Manager Arne Slot has confirmed that Alisson's recovery will take several weeks, leading to doubts about his availability for the Chelsea fixture.
Midfielder Harvey Elliott is also sidelined after suffering a foot fracture, with a return date still uncertain, though he could make his comeback later in the month.
Additionally, Alexis Mac Allister was substituted during the Crystal Palace match due to a groin issue. Slot has noted that while the severity of Mac Allister's injury is unclear, he has not participated in training with the Argentine national team, casting further doubt on his fitness for the upcoming games.
Federico Chiesa missed the game against Palace due to injury but is expected to return soon, while goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, who missed the last clash due to illness, has been called up to the Republic of Ireland squad. There's optimism that he will be ready to step in against Chelsea if needed.
Unavailable: Alisson, Harvey Elliott
Doubtful: Federico Chiesa, Alexis Mac Allister
For Chelsea, the injury situation remains a concern as Reece James continues to be a long-term absentee, grappling with a hamstring issue that has left him sidelined without a clear return timeline.
Additionally, summer recruit Omari Kellyman is also out, with a potential comeback not expected until later in the year, likely around November or December.
The Blues will miss Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana due to suspension, as both players accumulated five yellow cards this season.
Carney Chukwuemeka was omitted from the squad in their recent match against Gent due to illness but could be back in contention for the Liverpool clash.
Conversely, Levi Colwill and Noni Madueke, who were substituted in the game against Nottingham Forest, have been selected for the England national team, suggesting no major injury concerns for the pair.
Unavailable: Marc Cucurella (suspended), Wesley Fofana (suspended), Reece James, Omari Kellyman
Doubtful: Carney Chukwuemeka
As both teams navigate through these injury challenges, the matchup promises to be intense, with Liverpool aiming to maintain their lead at the top of the table against a Chelsea side looking to build on their strong form.
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