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 complete embarrassment in a 5–2 thrashing at Atlético Madrid during the week. 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, apparently the globe's most injury-susceptible keeper, was absent for the defeat at RAMS Park and remains questionable approaching the weekend. Slot has disclosed he's "optimistic" regarding the Brazilian's comeback, though a final fitness assessment is necessary to establish his participation.

Federico Chiesa represented another midweek absence, with the Italian sidelined due to sickness rather than injury, and he's anticipated to return against Spurs—though he'll likely be utilized as a substitute if included in the matchday squad.

Extended-term casualties Alexander Isak, Wataru Endo, Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni persist with their rehabilitation processes.

Slot faces selection dilemmas elsewhere due to subpar displays and rotation requirements before the second leg. Mohamed Salah, who was withdrawn after sixty minutes in Turkey following another poor performance, no longer guarantees his starting position, while players like Alexis Mac Allister, Joe Gomez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 several crucial saves to deny Galatasaray from increasing their lead and might be required once more this weekend.

RB: Jeremie Frimpong—Changes are needed along Liverpool's right flank, which appeared lifeless and predictable during the week. Frimpong could replace Joe Gomez at right-back to inject some vital dynamism.

CB: Ibrahima Konaté—Following a better period, Konaté returned to his early-season struggles on Tuesday. Lucky not to personally hand 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 from December 2009 through May 2010.

LB: Andy Robertson—Following an outstanding FA Cup display at Molineux, Robertson was benched in favor of Milos Kerkez during the week. The situations could be switched 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—Fearing another public controversy, Slot might well field Salah again this weekend. A recent burst of goal involvements cannot disguise consistently poor showings along Liverpool's right side.

AM: Florian Wirtz—After a sluggish display on Tuesday, Wirtz could reclaim his favored central position against Spurs. The German can genuinely damage a terrible Tottenham backline from the attacking midfielder spot.

LW: Cody Gakpo—Rio Ngumoha deserves to start against Spurs purely on current form, but Gakpo seems destined to return on the left wing. 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.