Arne Slot issues double Liverpool injury boost as crisis eases in problem position

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Arne Slot has delivered a double injury boost for Liverpool as its fitness crisis eases in key position ahead of the final run of crucial Premier League fixtures

Arne Slot has been boosted by the upcoming returns of Joe Gomez and Wataru Endo(Image: Getty Images)

Arne Slot has provided a timely boost to Liverpool by confirming positive injury updates in a problem area of the squad, easing concerns ahead of a crucial stage of the season as the club’s fitness situation begins to improve.

With fifth place in the Premier League now potentially enough to secure European qualification, it has provided some breathing space for Slot as he looks to salvage what has been a difficult campaign for the reigning champions.

The side are currently five points clear of Brighton & Hove Albion in sixth, with as many as three wins from their final five matches likely to guarantee Champions League qualification. That scenario could shift further depending on results elsewhere, with rivals still capable of dropping points in the run-in. Meanwhile, Slot sends Freddie Woodman message with Liverpool goalkeeper "ready" for action.

Throughout the season, the Reds have struggled for options at right-back. Since the departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold in the summer placed clear trust in deputy option Conor Bradley, while also acting quickly in the market to secure a new right-sided alternative in Jeremie Frimpong for $40 million, not only for his attacking output and versatility, but also for his reliability and durability

However it has become something of a recurring problem area. Bradley underwent surgery to address the damage he sustained during the 0-0 draw with Arsenal in early January, after suffering a significant knee injury ruling him out for the ret of the season. Frimpong has been unavailable on three separate occasions with hamstring issues while Joe Gomez has also struggled with fitness issues, most recently against PSG resulting in him being unavailable for Everton

Wataru Endo, who has occasionally been deployed to cover at right-back, has been sidelined with a left ankle injury—his second setback of the season—since making his first start of the campaign in February. However Slot has been boosted with the return of Gomez for Crystal Palace while Endo is also expected to be available again before the end of the season.

"Joe is back in the squad. That is really positive because we didn’t have any central defenders on the bench last week" Slot told reporters on Friday. Wataru is starting to do exercises outside with the rehab team. He is making steps but he will not be available for United or the game after, but we are hopeful he will play again this season.

Joe Gomez returned to training after missing the game against Everton(Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

The Reds have been hit by a series of injury setbacks over the past fortnight, the most significant being a ruptured Achilles tendon for Hugo Ekitike during the defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, an injury that is expected to rule him out of this summer’s World Cup.

Further concerns emerged on Sunday when Giorgi Mamardashvili was forced off in the win over Everton FC after a collision with Beto left him with a deep cut to the knee. With Alisson also a doubt for the upcoming clash with Crystal Palace, manager Arne Slot may be compelled to rely on third-choice goalkeeper Freddie Woodman.

The 29-year-old came on for Mamardashvili at the Hill Dickinson Stadium and could be in line for just his fifth Premier League appearance—and his first for Liverpool.

"I want Giorgi to be fine and then Ali, the best goalkeeper in the world, to come back fit," Woodman said after the Everton victory. "We will see what happens on Saturday. I will just go about my stuff this week and prepare as if I am playing."