Arne Slot provides fitness update on 4 key Liverpool stars ahead of Arsenal clash

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has provided an update on the fitness of Alisson Becker, Conor Bradley, Diogo Jota, and Federico Chiesa during the Arsenal pre-match press conference. The Dutchman is hopeful of Chiesa and Bradley returning to training by Saturday, October 26, but has ruled Alisson and Jota out completely.

Slot implied the quartet could miss out on the Reds' important clash against Arsenal on Sunday as he said (via Liverpool's official website):

"I think they feel good but not when it comes to playing for us during the weekend. Federico might train with us today or tomorrow – but Diogo definitely not. And Conor Bradley, let's see if he can be with us tomorrow."

On Alisson, he added:

"He's progressing well, like we expect. But it's not a short-term recovery. It's always difficult to judge him. I think the best way to judge an injury is in the end of an injury, the end phase of his rehab, and he's not there yet. I can't tell you how much longer he will be out, but don't expect him to be in against Brighton in the cup or next week."

Diogo Jota appeared to suffer a nasty rib injury during the Reds' 2-1 win against Chelsea in their last league game and was subbed off in the first half. He subsequently missed their midweek UEFA Champions League win against RB Leipzig on October 23.

On the other hand, Alisson has missed Liverpool's last two games due to a hamstring injury. He is expected to be ruled out beyond the November international break. Fortunately, Caoimhin Kelleher has done well in his absence, keeping a clean sheet in their 1-0 win against Leipzig.

In addition, Conor Bradley picked up a knock while representing Northern Ireland during the recent international break. Meanwhile, Liverpool's summer signing Federico Chiesa has missed the last four games across competitions after picking up an unknown injury.

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"Arsenal were far ahead of us" - Arne Slot previews Liverpool's upcoming PL clash against the Gunners

Liverpool manager Arne Slot expects Arsenal to be an even more tougher opponent than Chelsea following their hard-fought 2-1 win against the Blues last Sunday. The two sides are set to face each other at the Emirates Stadium on October 27.

Mikel Arteta's side have flourished over the last two seasons, despite narrowly missing out on Premier League glory to Manchester City on both occasions. Slot pointed this out during the pre-match press conference, where from the aforementioned source, he said:

"I said before the game and after the game that I expect a lot from Chelsea this season, and I think they showed it also last Sunday at Anfield. They are a similar team to Arsenal when it comes to playing style, they also like to go with their full-back inside and come into the same formation as Arsenal."

He added:

"But if you look at the last two seasons, Arsenal were far ahead of us but also above Chelsea, so you would assume that playing Arsenal would even be more difficult."

"But let’s see at the end of the season where Chelsea and Arsenal both are. But normally you would expect, because it’s also an away game, that this one is even more difficult than Chelsea at home and we all see how difficult Chelsea at home was."

Liverpool are currently flying under Slot's tutelage and are at the summit of the league standings with 21 points from eight games. Meanwhile, Arsenal are third with 17 points and will be aiming to bounce back following their recent shock 2-0 loss to Bournemouth.