8 players could miss Liverpool vs Chelsea as Arne Slot faces nervous wait

As many as eight players could be missing across both sides when Liverpool takes on Chelsea on Sunday.

The Reds return to Premier League action following the international break as they look to retain their spot at the top of the table. Arne Slot’s side begins a tough run of fixtures at the weekend as their title credentials are given their first major examination.

Chelsea has made a solid start to the season, with Enzo Maresca’s side sitting fourth after going unbeaten following their opening day defeat to Manchester City .

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The Blues though will have to cope without some key players when they make their way to Merseyside on Sunday. Wesley Fofana and Marc Cucurella are both definitely out, with the pair serving suspensions having already picked up five yellow cards this season.

Reece James could make a return after yet another lengthy spell out injured, although Maresca will need to exercise caution with the defender. James made his return to training on Monday, with his last game for Chelsea coming in the penultimate match of last season.

Carney Chukwuemeka is expected to return after missing Chelsea’s last two games through illness, but Omari Kellyman remains out after sustaining a hamstring injury.

As for the hosts, Liverpool has been boosted by Harvey Elliott’s return to the training ground this week , although the midfielder is continuing his rehabilitation after fracturing his foot and will therefore likely return later this month.

Alisson Becker looks set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering another hamstring injury at Crystal Palace. Having missed that game through illness, Caoimhin Kelleher should return to deputize for the Brazilian in goal.

Meanwhile, Slot will be hoping for positive news on Alexis Mac Allister and Federico Chiesa . The former is available for Argentina’s game against Bolivia later, as confirmed by the country’s manager Lionel Scaloni , although Liverpool will be keeping their fingers crossed he suffers no ill-effects from the groin problem he picked up at Palace.

Chiesa, meanwhile, missed the Reds’ last two games before the international break after picking up a knock in training. Given the Italian’s injury record over the years, Slot will be hoping he makes a speedy recovery and can take his place back in the squad against Chelsea.