As Liverpool gears up for their Premier League clash with Southampton this Sunday, manager Arne Slot is confronted with an injury crisis that leaves the squad significantly depleted.

The Reds will be without at least four key players for their trip to St. Mary’s, although there is a glimmer of hope with the return of young midfielder Harvey Elliott to team training during the November international break. Elliott, who has been recovering from a fractured foot sustained during the September international break, is on the verge of making his return to matchday action.

Virgil van Dijk, who earlier returned from international duty for the Netherlands due to health concerns, has also been cleared to participate. However, Slot will still be missing several crucial players, raising concerns as the team prepares for not only the Southampton game but also a high-stakes encounter with Real Madrid and a showdown against Manchester City next week.

Current Injury List:

- Alisson Becker The Brazilian goalkeeper has been sidelined since suffering a hamstring injury against Crystal Palace at the start of October. Although he returned to training during the international break, he isn’t match-ready yet. Slot confirmed, “He is getting better but not ready to play on Sunday,” adding that he’s unlikely to be available for the match against Real Madrid either.

- Trent Alexander-Arnold Alexander-Arnold has been battling injuries since suffering a side strain during October’s international break. Unfortunately, he aggravated his condition, limping off against Aston Villa with a hamstring injury. Despite hopes for a quick recovery, Slot announced that the vice-captain will also miss the match against Southampton and remains uncertain for the showdown with Real Madrid.

- Diogo Jota The Portuguese striker has been out since sustaining an injury against Chelsea last month. Slot had previously indicated that Jota would likely not return until December, and confirmed he will miss both the upcoming Premier League and Champions League matches.

- Federico Chiesa Chiesa has not featured since his debut against West Ham in late September. While he has started to integrate into light training, his return to the squad remains uncertain, with Slot indicating it will still take some time.

On a Positive Note:

Rachel positivity surrounds Harvey Elliott and Virgil van Dijk, who are both back in team training. "Virgil is all good. He is training with us today. Harvey is training with us again... so that’s a positive thing for him," said Slot. The availability of Elliott brings optimism, but the coaching staff is likely to exercise caution considering his extensive layoff.

The Reds will need to find a way to cope without key players as they face off against Southampton, a match that is crucial not just for league standings but also for momentum leading into high-profile fixtures in the Champions League and domestic league. As fans hold their breath, one question remains—can Liverpool rise to the occasion despite the odds stacked against them?