Liverpool vs Chelsea team news: Alisson injury blow for Reds as Reece James nears Blues return
Chelsea travel to face Liverpool as Premier League football returns following the international break, but the Reds have been handed an injury blow ahead of the weekend.
Alisson is set to remain on the sidelines for the clash against Chelsea after sustaining a hamstring injury against Crystal Palace.
Caoimhin Kelleher will deputise in goal, with Arne Slot confirming the Brazil remains out for a “couple of weeks” due to the problem.
Enzo Maresca’s side have been unbeaten in the league on the road so far, but a trip to Anfield is likely to be a more difficult challenge.
Chelsea returned from the international break fourth in the table with 14 points from their opening seven matches and have only suffered one defeat, to defending champions Manchester City in the opening game of the campaign.
Reece James has been one of the Blues’ main injury concerns this season as he continues to be plagued with issues over the last few years.
The right-back has not taken to the field for Chelsea this season after sustaining his latest setback during the club’s pre-season tour of the USA.
However, James has trained over the international break and will be in the squad on Sunday, Maresca confirmed, while detailing an individual plan for his player’s return to full fitness.
Omari Kellyman recently suffered an injury setback, while Maresca must contend without suspended duo Wesley Fofana and Marc Cucurella.
Liverpool could welcome back some of their injured players for the match against high-flying Chelsea.
Arne Slot’s side went into the international break top of the league, with one more point than both Manchester City and Arsenal and four more than their weekend opponents.
Alexis Mac Allister also sustained a problem in the same match, but joined up with Argentina on international duty and is likely to be available for the game against Chelsea.
Federico Chiesa is also in with a chance of featuring in the match at Anfield, but did not go on international duty with Italy.
Predicted Liverpool XI: Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, Konate, Robertson; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Szoboszlai, Diaz; Jota
Predicted Chelsea XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Adarabioyo, Colwill, Veiga; Caicedo, Fernandez; Madueke, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson