Liverpool faces a significant fitness test ahead of its crucial Premier League encounter against Tottenham Hotspur, with key midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai hoping to be cleared for the Saturday fixture. The Hungary international, a pivotal figure in Arne Slot’s side this season, sustained an ankle injury during the closing stages of last weekend’s 2-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, raising immediate concerns about his availability.

Initial fears of a prolonged absence for Szoboszlai were somewhat allayed after a scan indicated the injury was not severe. The 25-year-old has reportedly responded well to treatment in recent days, providing a glimmer of hope for his inclusion in the squad traveling to the capital. His potential return would be a considerable boost for Liverpool, given his consistent high-level performances and crucial contributions across midfield since his arrival.

The club’s medical staff continues to monitor Szoboszlai closely, with a final decision on his involvement expected on Friday. While the player is eager to feature, Liverpool management may opt for a cautious approach, prioritising his long-term fitness. Should he be rested for the Tottenham game, the expectation is that he will be fully fit and available for the subsequent home fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers on December 27. His absence would undoubtedly require tactical adjustments from Slot, who has relied heavily on Szoboszlai’s dynamism.

Beyond the immediate injury concerns, Szoboszlai has also been navigating a disciplinary tightrope. He currently stands one yellow card away from incurring a one-match suspension, having accumulated four bookings this season. He must avoid receiving a fifth caution in the next three Premier League matches before the threshold for a ban increases to 10 yellow cards, adding another layer of strategic consideration for both the player and the coaching staff.

Compounding Liverpool’s defensive challenges, long-serving defender Joe Gomez is expected to miss the Tottenham clash due to a hamstring injury. Gomez, who has endured a history of significant injury setbacks, picked up the issue in the first half against Brighton. While the club has expressed relief that the damage is relatively minor, a cautious rehabilitation approach is planned to ensure his full recovery and prevent any recurrence, underscoring his importance to the squad’s defensive depth.

In Gomez’s anticipated absence at right-back, young Northern Irishman Conor Bradley is poised to step into the starting XI. Bradley, who recently served a one-match ban, offers a natural replacement and has demonstrated promising form when called upon. His inclusion will be vital as Liverpool navigates a demanding schedule, aiming to maintain its competitive edge in the Premier League title race against a formidable Tottenham side.

Further positive news for Liverpool comes with the imminent return of Jeremie Frimpong. The Netherlands international, who has been sidelined since October 22 after sustaining a hamstring injury against Eintracht Frankfurt, is nearing full fitness. Frimpong has progressed through the final stages of his rehabilitation at the club’s Kirkby training base, participating in drills with the squad and is close to receiving clearance for full team training.

Frimpong’s return is particularly timely given Mohamed Salah’s departure for the Africa Cup of Nations. His availability will significantly bolster Liverpool’s options on the right flank, providing an additional attacking threat and much-needed depth in a critical area of the pitch. His pace and versatility could prove invaluable as the team adapts to Salah’s absence and maintains its attacking impetus.

The squad reconvenes at Kirkby on Thursday after a scheduled day off on Wednesday, intensifying preparations for the challenging trip to Tottenham. Manager Arne Slot and his coaching team will be meticulously assessing the fitness levels of all players, particularly Szoboszlai, as they finalise their strategy for a fixture that holds considerable weight in the Premier League standings. The focus remains on securing a crucial victory despite the various personnel challenges.

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Keywords: Liverpool FC, Dominik Szoboszlai injury, Tottenham Hotspur match, Premier League news, Joe Gomez hamstring, Jeremie Frimpong return, Liverpool squad updates, Football injury news