Slot confirms Salah return, Alisson and Wirtz doubts for Aston Villa clash

Liverpool will aim to secure their Champions League qualification when they visit Aston Villa in the Premier League on Friday.

The Reds are level on points with the Villans. Victory for either side will guarantee qualification for Europe’s elite football competition.

Liverpool missed several key players in the 1-1 draw against Chelsea last weekend, with Alisson Becker, Mohamed Salah and Florian Wirtz on the sidelines.

Ibrahima Konate and Rio Ngumoha were also substituted due to cramps in the fixture.

Speaking to the media ahead of Friday’s encounter at Villa, manager Arne Slot gave a fitness update on his squad.

He told Liverpool’s official website: “Ibou is OK, trained with us. Mo will be available tomorrow for only a few minutes, but hopefully can come in.

“Alisson trains with us again, let’s see where he is tomorrow – if he is ready already or has to wait one more week.”

On Wirtz, he added: “Stomach infection, so let’s see how fit he is for tomorrow. He’s on antibiotics. Let’s see if he’s ready to play tomorrow.”

Slot is expected to tweak his starting line-up to the one that started against Chelsea.

Giorgi Mamardashvili could continue in goal, with doubts still surrounding Alisson’s fitness.

Konate will partner Virgil van Dijk at centre-back, while Milos Kerkez and Curtis Jones will complete the back four.

Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch are expected to keep their places in central midfield.

Dominic Szoboszlai will play in the number ten role, with Cody Gakpo and Jeremie Frimpong operating on the wings.

Alexander Isak could lead the attack after coming off the bench last time out. Salah and Rio Ngumoha are likely to feature as substitutes.