Liverpool news: Reds handed new contract boost as Arne Slot delivers injury update

Premier League action returns on Saturday with Liverpool having a final day of preparation before making the trip to face Southampton.

The Reds will look to secure the place at the top of the table having opened up a five-point gap ahead of the international break. The league-leaders take on the side currently propping up the division in 20th place with the Saints having earned just one win this term.

Arne Slot's side will once again be afforded the opportunity to prove their quality as they face Southampton, Real Madrid and Manchester City in little over a week. The Dutchman has thus far overcame injuries to help his side set the pace in the Premier League.

They will be tasked with doing so once again. With that said, MirrorFootball takes a look at some of the news surrounding the club.

Contracts

Liverpool may have been handed a new contract boost in their bid to extend Trent Alexander-Arnold's deal as Real Madrid cast their eye elsewhere for a new player. The Reds star is set to enter the final six months of his contract and Los Blancos are interesting in securing the services of the England international.

Real are potentially required to land a stop-gap in January amid injury issues but had been confident of landing Alexander-Arnold to join the likes of Jude Bellingham. However, the La Liga giants are eyeing alternatives with another Premier League star being considered.

Tottenham ace Pedro Porro has now been deemed a 'credible' target for the club. Reports suggest the Spaniard is keen on the move, though Spurs could price Real Madrid out of doing a deal with a £58million fee touted.

Injury latest

Trent Alexander-Arnold remains among a lengthy Liverpool injury list that Arne Slot still has to deal with. The full-back was one of a number of players that the Dutchman was asked about ahead of Southampton, with the Reds being able to welcome back Virgil van Dijk to face his former team.

Goalkeeper Alisson Becker is being carefully monitored while the likes of Diogo Jota remains unavailable. Slot said in his press conference: "We're careful with everyone when it comes to muscles.

"He [Alisson] is back in training with the goalkeeper coach and not training with the team but that is expected soon. Le'ts wait and see where he is in terms of match fitness, getting better and better but not ready."

"Trent and Virgil? I was expecting a different question! Virgil is all good. Trained with us today. Trent not training yet but he is getting there, we expect him back soon.

"Harvey [Elliott] is with us now, been out for many weeks but with the team now on the pitch. Jota is still the same as Federico who is coming back into the session after one exercise today. All expected back in a few weeks but the last part of recovery is always the hardest, so let's wait and see. Virgil is fine."

Southampton up for the challenge

Saints boss Russell Martin is excited to face Liverpool this weekend rather than daunted as he battles to lift his side from the bottom of the table. Southampton welcome the Reds to St Mary's on Sunday with Martin under pressure to deliver points as teams enter the festive period.

“You can talk about the level of difficulty in opposition we face but this is what we have worked so hard for," Martin said. "I am excited to play the best team in the country at the moment.”

“I love the intensity of the festive period and the schedule. It’s a brilliant month to look forward to” Martin added. “Thank goodness the international breaks are done and we can build up some momentum.”

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