Liverpool head coach Arne Slot spoke to the media ahead of Saturday’s Premier League trip to Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium for a 5:30pm kick off. The Dutchman provided updates on squad fitness, individual players and Liverpool’s wider outlook as the Reds look to maintain momentum in the league.

As has become routine, he addressed injuries, player welfare, defensive progress and the club’s approach to the remainder of the transfer window.

Squad News and Fitness

The manager confirmed that Liverpool are expecting a similar group of players to be available as the squad that travelled for their midweek Champions League win in Marseille. The only uncertainty surrounds Federico Chiesa, with the manager admitting they will “wait and see” how the winger responds before making a final decision.

He also pointed out that the tight turn around and the fact that Joe Gomez has not played too many games, will mean that he “sees how he feels today” before assessing “if he is able to start.”

Mohamed Salah and Selection Decisions

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Asked whether a return to Premier League action against a side Mohamed Salah has historically enjoyed playing against could benefit the forward, he was relaxed and confident in his response. He reminded reporters that Salah has scored “against any team in the Premier League” and suggested the Egyptian is ready to play after completing a full recovery session and training.

However, the manager stopped short of guaranteeing a place in the starting eleven, stressing that “like all the others, he has a training session to go and then I will decide on the line-up”. There could be extra interest in the team selection this week to see if Mo Salah is in the starting side, particularly after his comments in early December.

Defensive Progress and Belief

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Following another clean sheet in midweek, Arne Slot was keen to highlight Liverpool’s defensive improvement. He described the progress as “clear for everyone to see” and reserved special praise for Alisson Becker, referencing several key saves against Marseille.

“We know we have one of the best goalkeepers in the world,” Arne Slot said, underlining the importance of having a strong foundation at the back as Liverpool continue to hope to compete on multiple fronts.

Long-term Vision and Milos Kerkez

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Arne Slot also spoke positively about former Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez, suggesting the full-back is growing “stronger” with each performance. He explained that the decision to give Milos Kerkez minutes in Marseille was part of a long-term plan, adding that Liverpool’s signings are expected to improve not just this season, but in the years ahead.

“That is the way this club is run,” he said, reinforcing Liverpool’s development-focused approach.

The left back will likely be lining up against his former club and with a potential move away from Anfield for Andy Robertson, Milos Kerkez will have the chance to nail down a spot at left back.

Fellow summer signings, Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong also played a key role in the midweek victory. He did, however, say that he has to “take good care” of Jeremie Frimpong as he has played a lot of games in a short space of time, since recovering from injury.

League Ambition and Transfers

While acknowledging that injuries can always impact a season, Arne Slot expressed confidence in his squad’s competitiveness against any opponent. He reiterated his belief that Liverpool can still secure a top-four finish, even if predicting the future remains difficult.

On the transfer window, the manager struck a familiar note of caution. Asked whether there could be further movement before the deadline, he stated that he expects things to “stay mainly the same” for now, signalling stability rather than upheaval.

With defensive solidity improving, key players returning and new signings picking up form, Liverpool head to Bournemouth looking to secure the three points.