Overview
- Liverpool have steadied to fourth after four straight wins in league and Europe, sitting 13 points behind leaders ahead of the New Year’s Day match at Anfield.
- Curtis Jones has started five in a row and was singled out by Arne Slot for his bravery on the ball and improved stamina after starring in the win at Inter Milan.
- Slot reiterated his belief that this summer’s signings will progress with more training and minutes following a major turnover in the squad.
- Alexander Isak faces a lengthy layoff after surgery for a fractured fibula and ankle issue, while Giovanni Leoni’s season has ended with an ACL injury.
- January moves are taking shape, with Dutch reports saying James McConnell’s Ajax loan has been cut short for a Liverpool return and UK reports linking the club with defensive options such as Maxence Lacroix as an alternative to Marc Guehi.