Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk injury updates with Liverpool star ruled out
Liverpool boss Arne Slot has provided an update on the conditions of Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold ahead of the Reds' Premier League clash against Southampton
by Scott Trotter · The MirrorLiverpool boss Arne Slot has revealed that Virgil van Dijk is fit to face Southampton this weekend, but that the Reds will need to wait longer for a number of other stars.
The Dutch defender departed the Netherlands squad earlier in the week as he carried a number of fitness issues but has already participated in training ahead of the Premier League's return. Slot has suggested that Van Dijk has received the all-clear to feature this weekend.
The prognosis is less positive on Trent Alexander-Arnold however. The full-back, whose contract expires in the summer in addition to Van Dijk's, did not join up with England after being forced off the field in Liverpool's win over Aston Villa.
Alexander-Arnold has yet to return to training, but Slot does not expect his absence to be a long one. Harvey Elliott has returned to the pitch, but could be a few a weeks away from match fitness in addition to Diogo Jota and Federico Chiesa.
Slot said in his press conference: "Trent and Virgil? I was expecting a different question! Virgil is all good. Trained with us today. Trent not training yet but he is getting there, we expect him back soon.
"Harvey [Elliott] is with us now, been out for many weeks but with the team now on the pitch. Jota is still the same as Federico who is coming back into the session after one exercise today. All expected back in a few weeks but the last part of recovery is always the hardest, so let's wait and see. Virgil is fine."
Slot also provided an update on Alisson Becker. The Brazilian goalkeeper last featured against Crystal Palace, earlier in October.
The Reds boss admitted they were being cautious over the 32-year-old's return. Alisson has returned to goalkeeper training but is yet to join up with the first team proper.
"We're careful with everyone when it comes to muscles. He is back in training with goalkeeper coach and not training with the team but that is expected soon. Le'ts wait and see where he is in terms of match fitness, getting better and better but not ready."
Join our new WhatsApp communityand receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Sky Sports deal
Sky Sports launches discounted Premier League package
£46 (was £56)
Sky has slashed the price of its Sky Sports, Sky Stream, Sky TV and Netflix bundle in an unbeatable new deal that saves £240 and includes 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.