Arne Slot spoke to the press as his players trickle back to Merseyside after the October international break. Though the Reds still have two opportunities to train before Sunday’s match and after the players’ returns, the Liverpool head coach nonetheless was able to make calls on availability.
Ryan Gravenberch, who came off at halftime in the Dutch national team’s final match of the window was declared fully fit by Slot, though there were rumors of a minor injury concern. Per Slot, the choice to play
Gravenberch for just 45 minutes was reflective of squad depth and position in qualifiers — and perhaps a bit on the relations between Slot and Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman.
Slot was less confident about Ibrahima Konaté’s fitness after the Frenchman, who appeared to pick up an injury playing with Liverpool before the break, was withdrawn from his national team. Slot was unable to make a call on the centerback’s fitness on Friday morning, but did suggest that the French defender is expected to train, so is presumably in contention. Might be worth having a look at training photos where possible on this one, folks.
Alisson, as perhaps expected, will not be available for selection this weekend or next weekend and he rehabs an injury — though the Liverpool boss did note that no new negatives had emerged in the intervening period.