Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott will be available for the Reds’ crunch Premier League clash with Arsenal on Sunday afternoon, according to reliable journalist David Lynch.
How has Elliott done this season?
The Reds had another forgettable game in midweek away to Chelsea in a “tame” goalless stalemate. It meant more points were dropped in the battle for a top-four finish, while Newcastle United and Manchester United’s wins on Wednesday night further hampered their chances.
Someone who played no part against the Blues was Elliott, who missed his first game of the season after making 41 appearances in 2022/23 to date.
The youngster was hailed as “exceptional” earlier in the season and has clearly been a favourite of Jurgen Klopp’s given his increased playing time this term.
And in an update on his situation, there is positive news for the Merseysiders ahead of their weekend meeting with the Gunners.
Is Elliott fit for the Arsenal clash?
Taking to Twitter, Football Insider reporter David Lynch confirmed that Elliott was simply rested against Chelsea and will be in contention to start at home to Premier League leaders Arsenal this weekend:
There is also an argument to say that Elliott’s lack of physicality and 5-foot-7 frame could be an issue on the day up against Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka, who both top six feet. However, as mentioned, we think Elliott merits a starting berth more than others, especially after getting a rest in midweek.
Jurgen Klopp’s replacement managerial skills given glowing assessment by ex-Manchester United midfielder
Timothy Fosu-Mensah has lauded the tactical nous of ex-Liverpool star Xabi Alonso – who has Bayer Leverkusen pushing for Champions League qualification in the Bundesliga this season.
The former Anfield maestro has made huge waves in Germany’s top-flight after less than a year in charge at the BayArena, having transformed the Black and Reds from a relegation-threatened side into genuine contenders for Champions League qualification.
After taking over from Gerardo Seoane in October, the Spaniard has since won 11 of his 18 games in the Bundesliga and implemented a successful high-pressing system. Leverkusen have won their last four league matches including last-month’s dramatic comeback to beat Bayern Munich 2-1.
Manchester United academy graduate and current Leverkusen defender Fosu-Mensah was recently asked about Alonso’s credentials as a manager and delivered a glowing assessment of the Spaniard.
“Xabi is a good manager and I am enjoying working with him,” said Fosu-Mensah in an interview with World Football Index. “He played at the highest level of football possible for many years for both club teams and for his country so he knows what it takes to succeed as a player.
“As such, he is very personable in his interactions with players. Tactically, he is also strong and you know what he wants from you as a player.
“He understands what is needed all over the pitch and he helps me in my role as a defender with the instructions and advice that he gives me.”
Not only has the two-time European Cup winner made an impression in Germany, but Alonso’s results have also attracted attention across the mainland as Leverkusen find themselves in the quarter-finals of the Europa League and will go head-to-head with Belgium side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise for a place in the final four against either Feyenoord or Roma.
Rather prematurely, Alonso has been one name touted as a potential name to replace Jurgen Klopp at the end of his Liverpool contract in the summer of 2026.
Alonso’s former Reds team-mate Steven Gerrard had been the favourite to do so. But after a record-breaking, title-winning season at Rangers was followed by a disappointing 11-month spell at Aston Villa, it remains to be seen what’s next for the Liverpool legend, who recently made a return to punditry.