Liverpool head coach Arne Slot will be sweating on the fitness of a number of Reds stars as his squad reconvenes ahead of the home clash with Chelsea following the international break.
Over the next six weeks, clashes with Arsenal, Real Madrid and Manchester City also await the Reds - with these winter months representing a major test of the new boss' mettle. The Dutchman has made a strong impression during his short reign so far and boasts record of nine wins in all competitions.
With six of these victories coming in the Premier League, the Merseysiders currently top the league table at this early stage in the campaign. However, the Reds lost on their return from the last set of international fixtures , with injuries to key men including first choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker also representing a significant blow.
It remains to be seen whether the current table-toppers can continue that recent purple patch, with the team's title credentials currently the subject of wider debate. Below, Liverpool.com has put together a full health check following on from the October international break...
Alisson Becker
Perhaps the most notable absentee on this list, Alisson picked up a hamstring injury in the Reds' recent win over Crystal Palace . He was substituted in the victory as scans later revealed that the Brazilian is facing up to six weeks on the sidelines - with his return expected after the next international break.
Speaking on Oct. 5, Slot said of the stopper's fitness: "What we do know is that if a player walks off like he did, that normally means that he is not in the Brazil squad, and I don't expect him to be in the team in the first game we play after [the international break]. We have to wait and see, but it is going to take a few weeks, I assume, for him to be back. I think it is [his hamstring]."
Caoimhin Kelleher
Slot was landed with an unexpected situation to contend with during the trip to Selhurst Park, with Caoimhin Kelleher having already been ruled out of the game through illness . Vítězslav Jaroš eventually made his debut from the bench in that game but it is expected that the Irishman will be available to deputize for Alisson versus Chelsea.
The Reds cult hero was able to feature for his country during the recent set of international games as he played the full 90 minutes for the Emerald Isle against Finland and Greece.
Wataru Endo
Having travelled to Japan to skipper the country for their clash with Australia but was unable to play after being struck down by a virus . The 31-year-old missed their 1-1 draw, meaning he is likely to be a doubt for Liverpool's clash with Chelsea upon his return to Merseyside.
The defensive midfielder was due back in England on Wednesday and it is likely that his situation will be assessed by Reds medical staff in the lead up to this weekend's game.
Alexis Mac Allister
The former Brighton midfielder was withdrawn from the action at half time against Palace after suffering from overload in his right adductor muscle. He did travel to Argentina after being called up this month but sat out of his country's 1-1 draw with Venezuela, before playing in a 6-0 win against Bolivia.
He was withdrawn from play after 66 minutes but it is likely that he will be available to Slot upon his return to Liverpool this week. Speaking previous tothe Bolivia game, Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni said: "Alexis trained normally (Sunday) and today we will decide if he is fit to play. We will know after training."
Harvey Elliott
The young midfielder made his return to the Reds' training ground this week , as he continues his rehabilitation from a foot injury. However, his return to the fold is not fully expected until next month, with his involvement this term having been limited to just one appearance so far.
Speaking about the player's availability on Sept. 13, Slot said: "So it is, first and foremost, a blow for himself, and then also for us because I think availability is important in the stage of the season when we play seven games in 22 days, I think. So, it’s a blow for the both of us, but he will work as hard as always to come back in the best possible way."
Federico Chiesa
Summer signing Federico Chiesa has had a stop-start first couple of months on Merseyside, with his progress having been halted by a muscle injury in recent weeks. He made his full debut in the EFL Cup against West Ham last month but was absent for the subsequent clashes with Bologna and Palace .
Providing an update on the Italian's fitness on Oct. 1, Slot said: 'Federico trained with us yesterday and came in today with some problems, and I'm not expecting him to be in the team tomorrow. I'm not expecting him to be out for a very long period of time.'
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