Liverpool gear up for another Premier League showdown today as they welcome Fulham to Anfield for a 3:00 PM kick-off. Arne Slot’s team aims to solidify their position at the league summit, maintaining their four-point lead over second-placed Chelsea.

Fulham, however, are no pushovers. Marco Silva’s side recently held title contenders Arsenal to a draw at Craven Cottage, highlighting their resilience. The Reds will need to bring their A-game to secure all three points against the Cottagers.

On a brighter note, Liverpool’s injury woes have started to ease. The squad has been plagued by absences in recent weeks, but things are looking up with the return of key players.

First-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker made his comeback earlier this week in a friendly against Girona after being sidelined for two months. The team received another boost with the return of Diogo Jota, who has been out for a similar duration due to an upper-body injury sustained in October during Liverpool’s narrow victory over Fulham.

Although Federico Chiesa is nearing a return to action, manager Slot revealed that the Italian forward might need more time to regain full match fitness. Since joining from Juventus in a £10 million summer deal, Chiesa has only featured in three matches. While both Jota and Chiesa participated in full training this week, they are likely to start on the bench against Fulham.

There’s also positive news regarding Kostas Tsimikas, who was seen training individually on Thursday. Although not yet match-ready, the Greek full-back is edging closer to rejoining the squad. Meanwhile, Ibrahima Konate and Conor Bradley are still in the recovery phase following injuries picked up in the Real Madrid clash.

However, Liverpool will be without Alexis Mac Allister due to suspension. The midfielder’s ban, originally for accumulating five yellow cards, was extended after the Merseyside derby was postponed. Tyler Morton remains unavailable as well, nursing a knock sustained before the Girona game.

As Liverpool continue their push for Premier League glory, overcoming Fulham with a depleted squad will be another test of their depth and resilience.

Girona coach Michel offered a candid reflection on his team’s narrow 1-0 defeat to Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League, acknowledging the Reds as one of the tournament’s elite sides. Liverpool’s victory came courtesy of a second-half penalty, converted by Mohamed Salah after Donny van de Beek was penalized for a foul on Luis Diaz.

Despite the result, Girona showcased their resilience and competitive spirit. Michel praised his players’ efforts, emphasizing their ability to challenge a formidable opponent. He highlighted Liverpool’s quality, describing them as the “best team in the Champions League.”

“We played well against the best team in the competition,” Michel said. “The fans should be proud of our players’ performance. Defending against a team with such great talent is always challenging, but we adapted well.”

The La Liga side created several opportunities but couldn’t find the back of the net. Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker made crucial saves to keep Girona at bay. Reflecting on the match, Michel lamented his team’s missed chances but took pride in their approach.

“In the first half, we held our own and created scoring opportunities. Taking possession away from Liverpool is extremely difficult,” Michel admitted. “We managed to execute transitions effectively and generated chances. If we had scored, the dynamic of the game could have shifted entirely.”

Michel also analyzed his team’s tactical adjustments, noting their efforts to neutralize Liverpool’s key players. “We worked to ensure that Virgil van Dijk lacked a clear reference point in defense,” he explained. “We identified free players in key areas, which allowed us to create opportunities on the break.”

Despite the defeat, Michel viewed the experience as a valuable learning opportunity. “Facing one of the world’s best teams teaches you a lot. While I’m proud of our performance, I recognize areas where we can improve,” he said. “This match shows how much we’ve progressed, but also how far we still have to go.”

Regarding the penalty decision that ultimately decided the match, Michel expressed his thoughts on the use of VAR. “When I saw the incident, I understood the call,” he said. “Van de Beek stepped on Diaz’s boot, and in today’s VAR-driven reality, those moments are always scrutinized. While I don’t necessarily like such decisions, I accept the outcome.”

In conclusion, Michel expressed pride in his team’s efforts and determination to continue improving. “This game was a mirror for us,” he said. “It’s a testament to our hard work and the recognition we’ve earned. We competed well, and we’ll use this experience to grow and enhance our performances moving forward.”

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker is poised to make his comeback from injury in the Champions League clash against Girona, having traveled with the squad to Spain.

Alisson, who has been sidelined since sustaining a hamstring injury against Crystal Palace in early October, has resumed training and appears ready to start. Manager Arne Slot confirmed the Brazilian’s availability during his pre-match press conference.

“It’s a huge boost to have Alisson back. He has been phenomenal for Liverpool over the years and equally outstanding for the Brazilian national team,” Slot remarked. “Having him available again is fantastic. However, Caoimhin [Kelleher] has performed exceptionally well in his absence, so the competition between the two is very healthy for the team.”

Slot expressed confidence in Alisson returning to form quickly, saying, “Alisson has set such high standards for this club, and we expect him to maintain that level in the months ahead.”

Minimal Changes Expected Despite Strong Squad Position
Following the postponement of Saturday’s Merseyside derby against Everton, Liverpool had a rare weekend off. This has left the squad well-rested, and Slot hinted at maintaining continuity in his starting lineup for Tuesday’s game.

“We might have stuck with the same lineup even if the Everton match had gone ahead,” Slot explained. “But skipping that game allowed everyone to remain fresh and ready. There’s little reason to rotate heavily for this match, though there may be considerations for future fixtures.”

One forced change will see Alexis Mac Allister miss out due to suspension. However, Alisson’s return in goal is expected to be the most notable adjustment, while other positions are likely to remain consistent with last week’s 3-3 draw against Newcastle.

Slot also touched on the postponed Everton game, noting, “It was the right decision to prioritize safety. A derby like that deserves to be played under proper conditions, and now we have a fully fit squad heading into this crucial Champions League tie.”

Liverpool, already in a commanding position to secure a place in the tournament’s last 16, will aim to solidify their dominance against Girona with a strong and rested lineup.