Liverpool Target Top Four as Arne Slot Steadies Team Amid Injuries

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has declared that the club has "moved on" from the recent controversy surrounding Mohamed Salah's explosive comments after being dropped from the starting lineup, emphasising positive signs of team development amid a push for a top-four finish in the Premier League. Speaking ahead of Saturday's match against Tottenham Hotspur, Slot highlighted the squad's progress, noting an unbeaten run in their last five games across all competitions following a challenging period earlier in the season.

The furor stemmed from Salah's post-match interview after a 3-3 draw with Leeds United earlier this month, where the Egyptian forward accused the club of throwing him "under the bus" and claimed his relationship with Slot had broken down after being benched for three consecutive games. Salah was subsequently omitted from the squad for a Champions League win over Inter Milan but returned as a substitute in a 2-0 Premier League victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, where he provided an assist. Salah has since departed for international duty with Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Slot also addressed ongoing injury concerns, confirming that defender Joe Gomez remains sidelined, while midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai has returned to training and could feature against Tottenham. Forward Cody Gakpo is expected back soon, and right-back Jeremie Frimpong is available after a lengthy hamstring absence. These updates offer a boost as Liverpool, currently seventh in the table and just two points off fourth-placed Chelsea, aims to climb into Champions League spots.

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Under Slot's management in his second season after succeeding Jürgen Klopp, Liverpool are navigating a transitional phase as defending Premier League champions from 2024-25. The Dutch coach expressed optimism about the team's evolution, stating they are "progressing" and showing the characteristics he envisions, despite earlier struggles that saw them drop points in key fixtures. With Salah focused on AFCON, attention turns to maintaining momentum in domestic and European campaigns.

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