As Premier League teams prepare for their midweek UEFA Champions League matches, Liverpool’s Arne Slot, Chelsea’s Liam Rosenior, and Newcastle United’s Eddie Howe took to the media on Tuesday to discuss their squads. This comes after earlier statements from managers of Arsenal, Manchester City, and Tottenham Hotspur.
In Liverpool, all eyes were on Mohamed Salah, who seems poised to make his return following the conclusion of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The Egyptian forward participated in an open training session and is expected to start against Marseille. Slot spoke positively about Salah’s integration back into the squad, downplaying previous concerns about his fitness. While Salah is set to play, defender Ibrahima Konate is absent due to family matters, and it remains uncertain if he will join the team in France. The injury list for Liverpool remains largely unchanged with only a few long-term absentees.
Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior reported mixed news on the injury front. While Malo Gusto, Jamie Gittens, and Estevao have returned to training after illness, key player Enzo Fernandez missed a training session due to the same bug that has affected the team. Rosenior expressed hope for Fernandez’s participation but indicated that the situation remains fluid. Tosin Adarabioyo is confirmed to be sidelined for several weeks with a hamstring injury. Rosenior also highlighted Fernandez’s versatility and potential, noting that finding the right tactical fit for him within the team structure is crucial.
Meanwhile, Newcastle United welcomed good news as players Dan Burn and Will Osula returned to training, albeit both are unlikely to feature in the upcoming match against PSV Eindhoven. Head coach Eddie Howe remains optimistic about their recovery timeline, targeting their potential return for the following Gameweek against Aston Villa. However, the absence of other players such as Fabian Schar and Jacob Murphy continues to pose challenges for the squad.
As these clubs navigate through injuries and health concerns, there is a sense of optimism among the managers, each looking to build team resilience and maximize performance on the European stage. The commitment to player fitness and adaptability within the squad structures reflects a hopeful outlook as they face formidable opponents in the Champions League.