Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk injury updates with Liverpool star ruled out

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has revealed that Virgil van Dijk is fit to face Southampton this weekend, but that the Reds will need to wait longer for a number of other stars.

The Dutch defender departed the Netherlands squad earlier in the week as he carried a number of fitness issues but has already participated in training ahead of the Premier League's return. Slot has suggested that Van Dijk has received the all-clear to feature this weekend.

The prognosis is less positive on Trent Alexander-Arnold however. The full-back, whose contract expires in the summer in addition to Van Dijk's, did not join up with England after being forced off the field in Liverpool's win over Aston Villa.

Alexander-Arnold has yet to return to training, but Slot does not expect his absence to be a long one. Harvey Elliott has returned to the pitch, but could be a few a weeks away from match fitness in addition to Diogo Jota and Federico Chiesa.

Slot said in his press conference: "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."

Slot also provided an update on Alisson Becker. The Brazilian goalkeeper last featured against Crystal Palace, earlier in October.

Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images) Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

The Reds boss admitted they were being cautious over the 32-year-old's return. Alisson has returned to goalkeeper training but is yet to join up with the first team proper.

"We're careful with everyone when it comes to muscles. He is back in training with 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."

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