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Liverpool and Chelsea face a number of injury problems ahead of their Premier League game this weekend, with Alisson Becker set for an extended spell on the sidelines.
The Blues host the current Premier League title holders whilst grappling with a mounting injury crisis of their own that threatens to derail their preparations. Manager Enzo Maresca finds himself with a lengthy casualty list already confirmed as unavailable for the encounter, potentially forcing significant tactical adjustments ahead of this weekend's clash.
Long-standing absentees Dario Essugo, Liam Delap and Levi Colwill all continue their spells on the treatment table. They are accompanied in the medical room by star playmaker Cole Palmer, whose groin problem is anticipated to keep him sidelined until following the forthcoming international break.
Whilst several Chelsea players are expected to make their comeback imminently, this weekend's fixture may arrive prematurely for their recovery timelines.
Centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo is nursing a calf complaint, whilst Brazilian midfield talent Andrey Santos appears set to remain unavailable for several more weeks.
The defensive shortage extends across multiple positions within the squad. French defender Wesley Fofana is not anticipated to feature this weekend as he continues to navigate the concussion protocols.
Trevoh Chalobah is also ineligible for selection following his dismissal against Brighton in their previous outing. Additionally, winger Mykhailo Mudryk continues to serve his suspension.
Speaking in his pre-match briefing ahead of this weekend's encounter, manager Enzo Maresca acknowledged that his squad was feeling the strain of their mounting fitness concerns.
"Very difficult, very difficult, very hard, very difficult," said Maresca. "Again, because the ones that they play, there is a big risk that they can get injured because they are the ones that are playing a lot.
"For instance, we lost Andrey Santos against Brighton, who will be out until after the international break. We have seven or eight players out, unfortunately for us in this moment.
"So it is difficult because also we struggled to repeat the same XI, but it is what it is. We need to adapt and try to win games. That is why it was so important tonight to win and also was the other day important, but unfortunately we did not win. Now we focus on Saturday."
Meanwhile, Chelsea are enduring difficulties, though there has been some encouraging news from Liverpool regarding injuries. Hugo Ekitike and Federico Chiesa are available for selection, though goalkeeper Alisson Becker has been sidelined following his knock sustained against Galatasaray.
During his pre-match press conference, Arne Slot confirmed: "Alisson is not part of the squad tomorrow and won't travel to Brazil as well with the national team. He will be out for Saturday.
"Hugo [Ekitike] is going to train again today and same can be said for Federico [Chiesa]. Alisson I would be surprised if he's there for first game after international break, but we don't know after that. Depends how quickly he can recover."
The Reds' sole long-term concern remains Italian defender Giovanni Leoni, who has undergone surgery for a serious knee problem.
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