Arne Slot is hopeful Dominik Szoboszlai will be fit to start against Tottenham this weekend.
Szoboszlai had to be replaced late on during Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Brighton with an ankle issue, thus emerging as a serious doubt for the big game in north London.
Speaking in the pre-match press conference on Friday, Slot delivered a positive update on the midfielder.
“If the player feels comfortable to play and he did all the things he had to do, then he will start,” the Dutchman said.
“If he can fulfil the whole session or he fulfils it but he doesn’t feel comfortable himself, we will have a discussion.
“But Dom has been a starter for me in the one-and-a-half years I am here now and for the performances he’s brought in, he would be a starter tomorrow if he is completely fit.”
If Szoboszlai successfully passes a late fitness test then Slot could be tempted to stick with the same front four that started the win over Brighton, meaning Hugo Ekitike gets the nod over Alexander Isak.
Florian Wirtz is expected to continue on the left with Cody Gakpo still out injured. Mohamed Salah is unavailable having joined up with Egypt for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Slot will be forced into one change at the back as Joe Gomez has been ruled out with a muscular injury he sustained against the Seagulls last weekend.
Jeremie Frimpong will return to the squad after nearly two months out with a hamstring issue, though Conor Bradley should start at right-back after serving a one-match suspension.
Predicted Liverpool XI: Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Jones; Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Wirtz; Ekitike.
Injured: Gakpo, Leoni, Endo, Gomez
Doubts: Szoboszlai
Unavailable: Salah (AFCON)
Time and date: 5.30pm GMT on Saturday, December 20, 2025
How to watch: Sky Sports
Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
