Fulham coach sends warning to Liverpool ahead of Premier League clash tomorrow: ‘We have a plan.’ He’s sounding like he has a strategy—we need to be super careful.” 💯🙀🙀
December has been anything but typical for Arne Slot, but Liverpool’s return to Premier League action brings renewed optimism as key players edge closer to making their comebacks.
Speaking ahead of the Fulham match, Slot provided updates on the fitness of Diogo Jota and Federico Chiesa:
“I believe they are [available]. We still have one training session to go. Federico has been sidelined for a long time and was unwell last week, so we need to evaluate how he’s recovered.
Diogo might make the squad, and possibly Federico as well, depending on his condition after illness and the squad’s requirements.”
When discussing Chiesa’s progress, Slot explained:
“The main challenge is balancing our hectic schedule with his need for match fitness. After being out for five or six months, it’s tough to integrate him without clear expectations.
Ideally, he would gain minutes in a friendly or U21 game, but our fixture list doesn’t allow for that. The Southampton game could be a suitable chance for him to get some playing time.”
Slot highlighted the challenges of reintroducing players like Chiesa amid a demanding schedule, adding:
“Training alone can’t replicate match fitness. Ideally, he would play in matches where we’re comfortably ahead, but those have been rare this season. It’s all about managing his return carefully.”
The potential availability of Jota and Chiesa is a significant boost for Liverpool’s attacking lineup. Both players’ involvement in training is a positive sign, with Chiesa already demonstrating his readiness by scoring in an U21 match.
Still, Slot remains cautious about accelerating their returns to avoid unnecessary setbacks.
Having six attacking options once again would be a much-needed lift for Liverpool, but their long-term fitness will depend on careful management and measured reintegr
ation into the squad.
