Liverpool face West Ham as Slot backs Salah and rules out Wirtz
Arne Slot starts Joe Gomez at right-back over fit-again Jeremie Frimpong. Szoboszlai plays at 10, Gakpo keeps his place. Alisson, Van Dijk, Konate, Kerkez, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Salah and Ekitike also start.
Slot outlines patience with 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha, calling him a special player who will get more minutes while balancing protection amid calls for greater involvement.
Winger Trent Kone-Doherty leaves Liverpool for Molde FK permanently, subject to international clearance. The 2022 academy recruit made two senior appearances for the Reds.
Alan Shearer questions if Salah should start amid a goal drought and praises 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha’s cameo at Forest. Slot backs Salah, saying standards are high and he will start scoring again.
Column argues Champions League participation is key to funding Liverpool’s summer spend, following accounts highlighting a £74m reminder.
Report claims Giorgi Mamardashvili could seek a loan for more game time amid limited opportunities, while Liverpool plan summer moves. The agent of Gremio winger Gabriel Mec has flown to Portugal for talks with clubs there amid reported Reds interest.
Slot says the £450m spend was offset by £300m of sales and that injuries to Alexander Isak, Frimpong and Leoni have limited their use. He urges patience and calls Rio Ngumoha a special player. Wirtz is out against West Ham, with Frimpong back in the squad.
Liverpool have no plans to sell Alisson despite Juventus interest. With less than 18 months left, the Brazilian is happy at Anfield. Mamardashvili is available but Alisson remains first choice and would be difficult to replace.
Flashback to 2020: Klopp and Lampard clashed on the touchline during Liverpool’s 5-3 win over Chelsea, prompting Harry Redknapp to defend Lampard before the ex-Blue expressed regret.
Slot rules out Florian Wirtz with a back issue and says there is no return date. Frimpong could return. Long-term absentees include Endo, Isak, Leoni, Bradley and Bajcetic. West Ham expect Fabianski to remain sidelined and Potts is suspended.
Preview frames West Ham hopes against Liverpool’s slow starts, citing early-goal threat and late drama. It emphasises vulnerabilities but acknowledges Liverpool’s strong Anfield record against West Ham.
Liverpool are linked with Inter’s Alessandro Bastoni as they seek a top centre-back alongside incoming Jeremy Jacquet, with a journalist claiming the Italy defender is open to a summer move.
