Salah's Starting Spot Under Threat as Liverpool Face Tottenham—Latest Injury Updates and Team Predictions
Liverpool head back into Premier League competition this Sunday afternoon seeking redemption following Tuesday evening's disappointing European setback.
Bottom-dwelling Tottenham Hotspur serve as Liverpool's bounce-back adversaries following a crushing defeat in their Champions League last-16 opening match against Galatasaray, with the Reds falling to a 1–0 result in Istanbul for their second such loss this campaign.
While attention will partly focus on next Wednesday's return fixture, Liverpool must initially navigate past faltering Spurs, who endured their own devastating 5–2 defeat against Atlético Madrid in midweek. Arne Slot's squad requires three points to bolster their Champions League qualification ambitions.
Liverpool Sweating on Alisson Fitness
Liverpool Anxious About Alisson's Condition
Alisson, arguably football's most injury-susceptible goalkeeper, was absent for the defeat at RAMS Park and remains questionable for the weekend clash. Slot has indicated he's "optimistic" about the Brazilian's comeback, though a final fitness assessment will determine his participation.
Federico Chiesa represented another midweek absence, with the Italian sidelined due to sickness rather than physical injury, and he's anticipated to return against Spurs—though he'll likely feature only as a substitute if selected for the matchday squad.
Extended injury casualties Alexander Isak, Wataru Endo, Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni remain in their rehabilitation phases.
Slot faces tactical choices elsewhere following subpar displays and rotation requirements before the second leg. Mohamed Salah, withdrawn after sixty minutes in Turkey following another disappointing performance, no longer guarantees his starting position, while players like Alexis Mac Allister, Joe Gomez and Milos Kerkez might be given rest.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. Tottenham (4-2-3-1)
Liverpool Expected Formation vs. Tottenham (4-2-3-1)
GK: Giorgi Mamardashvili—Alisson's understudy delivered crucial saves to deny Galatasaray from increasing their lead and might be required once more this weekend.
RB: Jeremie Frimpong—Liverpool's right flank requires modification after appearing stagnant and predictable in midweek. Frimpong could replace Joe Gomez at right-back to inject necessary dynamism.
CB: Ibrahima Konaté—Following a period of improvement, Konaté regressed to his early-season struggles on Tuesday. Lucky not to gift Galatasaray a second goal—saved by a dubious offside decision—the Frenchman must elevate his performance against former Liverpool forward Dominic Solanke.
CB: Virgil van Dijk—Van Dijk began his 29th straight match in Istanbul, marking the longest sequence for any outfield Liverpool player since veteran Jamie Carragher's 33-game run spanning December 2009 to May 2010.
LB: Andy Robertson—Following an outstanding FA Cup display at Molineux, Robertson found himself benched in favor of Milos Kerkez midweek. Their roles might switch against Spurs.
DM: Ryan Gravenberch—Rarely given respite due to Liverpool's inadequate squad depth, Gravenberch will probably be compelled to feature in all three matches before the March international window.
DM: Dominik Szoboszlai—Mac Allister appeared completely exhausted in Istanbul and merits preservation ahead of the second leg. Szoboszlai could drop into the defensive midfield pairing for coverage.
RW: Mohamed Salah—To avoid another public controversy, Slot might well field Salah again this weekend. Recent goal contributions cannot disguise consistently poor performances on Liverpool's right flank.
AM: Florian Wirtz—After a sluggish showing on Tuesday, Wirtz could reclaim his favored central position against Spurs. The German can genuinely damage Tottenham's woeful defense from the attacking midfielder role.
LW: Cody Gakpo—Rio Ngumoha merits a start against Spurs purely on current form, but Gakpo seems destined to reclaim the left wing position. Greater output is required from the Dutchman with Ngumoha excelling in every outing.
ST: Hugo Ekitiké—Ekitiké found the net in Liverpool's triumph at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in December and will aim to exploit a porous defense missing the suspended Micky van de Ven.