Liverpool handed major double boost ahead of Chelsea clash as Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk return early

Liverpool have been handed a major double fitness boost ahead of their clash with Chelsea after Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk were released from international duty early.

Salah and van Dijk will both return to Liverpool from the start of next week to begin preparations for the Chelsea game at Anfield on Sunday.

Egypt have allowed Salah to sit out Africa Cup of Nations qualifier away to Mauritania on Tuesday due to concerns over playing on their artificial pitch.

Van Dijk has also been released from the Netherlands squad following his red card in their 1-1 draw with Hungary in the Nations League on Friday.

Given Van Dijk is suspended for their trip to Germany on Monday, the Dutch have allowed him to return to Liverpool.

A statement from the Egyptian FA read: “The technical staff of Egypt’s senior football team led by manager Hossam Hassan held a meeting with Mohamed Salah, the captain of the Pharaohs. It was agreed during the meeting to rest the player from the upcoming match.”

As well as the state of the pitch, Hassan also expressed concern about “hard and violent tackles” from the Mauritanian team.

Having Salah and Van Dijk back early will be a big boost for Arne Slot and his preparations for the Chelsea game.

Curtis Jones has not travelled with the England squad for their game in Finland on Sunday due to a personal commitment.

Liverpool face three big games in seven days after the international break, against Chelsea, RB Leipzig in the Champions League and then Arsenal at Emirates Stadium.