Liverpool Injury Update Ahead of Fulham Clash

Liverpool head to Fulham with Arne Slot still juggling performance and protection. The latest Liverpool injury updates from his pre match press conference made it clear he is thinking beyond one away day, and weighing every decision against a packed schedule and a squad that cannot afford avoidable setbacks.

Wataru Endo

Slot confirmed Endo is not back in full training yet, which narrows Liverpool’s midfield options as they prepare for Craven Cottage.

“I expect Joe to train with us [on Friday] and Wata not yet,” said Slot.

He also pointed to the wider issue, Liverpool are carrying a bench that includes players still building Premier League minutes, and that affects how much risk he is willing to take with those already established.

Joe Gomez

There was more encouraging news on Gomez, with Slot expecting him to be involved in training on Friday. For Liverpool, that matters because Gomez gives flexibility across the back line, and Slot has been careful not to overload the same defenders repeatedly.

“I expect Joe to train with us [on Friday],” said Slot.

Florian Wirtz

Wirtz became the example Slot used to explain why he will sometimes take a player off, even if supporters would rather keep them on the pitch. The hamstring discomfort after Wolves and limited training time shaped the decision.

“So, if anyone was like, ‘Why does he take Florian [Wirtz] off?’ for example, two days after the [Wolves] game he felt his hamstring still too much,” said Slot.

Slot added that the issue was significant enough to keep Wirtz from training normally, which made continuing to push him feel unnecessary given what is ahead.

“That’s why he couldn’t train, he only trained [on Wednesday],” continued Slot.

Cody Gakpo

Gakpo was highlighted as a key reason Liverpool can manage minutes without losing too much quality. Slot trusts him to step in, which helps reduce the temptation to gamble on a player carrying a muscle complaint.

“With all games coming up, for me it was too much of a risk if you don’t have so many players available with Premier League experience – and, of course, Cody [Gakpo] is a good replacement to bring in,” said Slot.