When the international break comes, the fear is that Liverpool stars will pick up injuries while representing their countries. This time, though, there hasn't been anything too bad (at least so far); Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk even came back earlier than anticipated .
Meanwhile, back on Merseyside, Harvey Elliott was pictured working hard behind the scenes at Liverpool's AXA Training Centre earlier this week as he edges closer to a return to action. And while there is still no exact timeline on when he might play competitively again, it could be an ideal boost for Arne Slot when the time comes.
The Reds' No. 19, who has been sidelined for just over a month with a foot injury sustained during the last international break, is undergoing a recovery program. Elliott has been in the gym recently and is now back running again.
Ibrahima Konate shows Liverpool fans his worth as history made in France game Xabi Alonso may have accidentally done Liverpool huge favor as new Real Madrid plan emerges And that can only be a positive sign. Liverpool has certainly not struggled without Elliott given that Slot has won nine out of his 10 matches in charge so far. It could be argued, though, that he would have been useful when trying to break down the Nottingham Forest low block at Anfield , which is the one blot on the Dutchman's copybook to date.
It would have been beneficial, too, to have Elliott rotating into the midfield to keep things fresher. Primarily, he will allow the first-choice number 10 Dominik Szoboszlai to have a rest in certain matches, and the Hungarian has looked in need of one at times with some mixed form in the last few weeks.
With Elliott back, Liverpool will have an extra midfield option who can ensure that no one is playing too often. With so many games coming up, that will be vital, and he could be useful in rotating Alexis Mac Allister too if Szoboszlai dropped back into a No. 8 role.
Though it isn't known yet exactly when he will be available for selection again, Elliott coming back could be a big moment for Liverpool in a season in which it will need much better fortunes than the last one on the injury front. Slot doesn't have loads of midfielders on his roster, so having as many fit as possible will be crucial — as much as anything, to avoid overworking those who are available.
If Elliott can return in the next couple of weeks, that would be timely for Liverpool amid a hectic schedule. Slot is likely to provide the latest in his pre-Chelsea press conference Friday.
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