As Liverpool prepares for their much-anticipated Champions League match against Girona on Tuesday, manager Arne Slot is eagerly expecting updates on several key players who may be ready to return to the lineup.

Following the postponement of the Goodison derby against Everton due to Storm Darragh, the Reds have had an unexpected break, potentially allowing some sidelined stars to regain fitness. The Merseyside derby, which was initially scheduled for Saturday, would have been too soon for goalkeeper Alisson Becker and forwards Diogo Jota and Federico Chiesa to make a comeback.

Alisson has been absent for over two months following a hamstring tear sustained during a match against Crystal Palace. Jota has missed time due to an upper body injury incurred in late October while playing against Chelsea. As for Chiesa, ongoing injury and fitness troubles have kept him out since his sole start for Liverpool in the League Cup victory over West Ham in late September.

However, signs of recovery are emerging. Chiesa has recently trained with the first team and even featured in an hour-long appearance for the under-21 squad midweek, scoring a goal despite the team facing a 4-3 loss to FC Nordsjaelland in the Premier League International Cup.

Both Alisson and Jota were seen training at the AXA Training Centre on Friday, reinforcing Slot's optimism about their imminent return to match day action. While the coach is hopeful of including them in the fixture against Girona, it's likely that they may only be fit enough for a place on the bench, given the length of their absences.

On the downside, Liverpool will be without four players against Girona. Defenders Ibrahima Konate and Conor Bradley are still in the early stages of recovery, having suffered knee and hamstring injuries, respectively, during the Champions League match against Real Madrid almost two weeks ago. Kostas Tsimikas has remained on crutches while recuperating from an ankle injury that has sidelined him for four consecutive games. Midfielder Alexis Mac Allister will also miss out due to a one-match suspension after picking up a third yellow card in the competition against Real Madrid.

As Liverpool aims to secure vital points in the Champions League, fans will be eagerly awaiting the official squad announcement to see who will be featured in this crucial away match. Will the returning players make an immediate impact? Stay tuned!