The Mirror

Liverpool have been handed a fresh injury concern as Alexander Isak picked up an issue just over 10 minutes after coming onto the pitch against Tottenham. The striker was brought on at half-time, with the game still level at 0-0, but with the hosts reduced to 10 men following a red card for Xavi Simons.

Isak managed to find the breakthrough after his arrival, following a series of mistakes in the Spurs backline that allowed Florian Wirtz to feed him. The striker quickly put the chance away, but in doing so, collided with Micky van de Ven, who seemingly caused some damage.

The Liverpool striker's leg seemed to get stuck between the defender's, going straight to ground in some pain in the immediate aftermath.

After some lengthy treatment from the medical staff, he was helped off the pitch in what was another frustrating moment for the club-record signing.

Isak has had a stop-start beginning to his career at Anfield, after a summer saga that dragged on until he finally made the switch from Newcastle United.

That move meant he didn't have a full pre-season, and given the way Liverpool have struggled in general, it has been a challenge for Arne Slot to ease him into action.

The Swedish international has been in and out of the team, scoring his first Premier League goal for the side against West Ham late last month with a cool finish.

That was seen as an opportunity to kick on, though he has been given just the one league start in the time since he scored in that game.

Slot defended the signing earlier this month, when he said: "That was the most difficult thing about signing him [the lack of pre-season]. I think I said back then that we signed him for six years, not for three months, and I’ve tried to make clear from the start how difficult the first few months would be for him.

"Every player wants to play 90 minutes (after) 90 minutes so it’s not nice for Alex to play 60, go off the next game and another (team-mate) comes in and then he can play 60 again. That’s not the way you want to start your career at Liverpool.

"It is far, far from an ideal situation but, again, this club doesn’t buy a player for half a year. We bought him for six years. As a result of that, people are now coming with stats about his 12 games (two goals scored).

"We are living in a grown-up world and the life of a striker is always like this. I assume he also had spells in his career when he didn’t score for a few games in a row. If you do what Alex has done I don’t think it would influence your confidence that much.

"But of course it is nicer for a number nine to start your career at a new club scoring immediately goal after goal. But that was so unrealistic straight away. I’ve tried to say it in my words without making it too obvious, but (this start is) almost something we could expect.

"If a player starts in the middle of a season and his fitness level is not as high as the others and we have three games a week so there is hardly any time to train, it does take time for any player to get to the levels we want. But I have no doubt that eventually he will become the player we signed him to be."

It remains to be seen just how serious the injury is, with Isak seen in quite some discomfort as he was forced off, and it could delay his impact even further.

Xavi Simons was sent off for serious foul play after a horror challenge on Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk. With the score at 0-0, the Tottenham winger was given a yellow card after fouling Van Dijk.

However, referee John Brooks was advised by officials at Stockley Park to re-check the incident and subsequently upgraded the punishment to a straight red card. A statement from the Premier League Match Centre reads: "After VAR review, the referee overturned the original decision of yellow card to Simons and issued a red card for serious foul play.

"Referee announcement: 'After review, the Tottenham No.7, with studs, catches the Liverpool player [No.4] on the calf high - it's an act of serious foul play. My final decision is red card'.

Sky Sports commentator Gary Neville issued a scathing review of the incident, saying: "That wasn't clever. He was never going to get there. He rakes his studs right down Van Dijk. It's a poor, poor challenge.

"He is absolutely nowhere near the football. Malicious, nasty, reckless? Whatever you want to call it. Stupidity.

"I can see why it's being checked. It's a ridiculous challenge. Virgil van Dijk is six foot four and 15 stone. If it is the other way around, it's a leg breaker.

"Thomas Frank is having a whinge about it, but none of the Tottenham players are complaining. The ones who have seen it are going 'what are you doing?'"

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Ex-Spurs midfielder Andy Reid, who was covering the game for BBC Radio 5 Live, added: "It's a difficult one, by the letter of the law its down the back of Virgil van Dijk's Achilles with his studs. It's a silly one from Xavi Simons."

At half time, Jamie Redknapp - who played for both clubs - said: "Xavi Simons does something so ridiculous that I don't know what he's thinking.

"He's got it completely wrong. He's backed into the back of him and catches his achilles. It's a stupid challenge that constitutes a red card."

Daniel Sturridge said: "It's unfortunate. It does look worse in slow motion. He's jut got it wrong in how he's gone about it.

"I don't think he's a malicious type of player who would try and hurt an international team-mate. He's got it completely wrong."

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Liverpool have been handed an important update ahead of their Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur, while Mohamed Salah is set to take part in the Africa Cup of Nations

Liverpool face Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Saturday. Arne Slot's side started the beginning of the season well, winning five consecutive games before going on a shocking losing run with only a handful of wins to save pride. However, it seems the tide is finally turning for the Reds, who are unbeaten in their last five games in all competitions.

Standing in their way are Thomas Frank's Spurs, who have been equally inconsistent so far this campaign. While they have recorded wins against the likes of Manchester City, there have been heavy defeats to rivals Arsenal, as well as falling to a 3-0 loss against Nottingham Forest last weekend.

The scales seem to be tipping in the favour of Liverpool for this one, but Spurs have a lot to prove and Frank will be aware that a win against the Premier League champions could be the catalyst to kick-start their season properly. Ahead of this match, Mirror Football takes a look at all the biggest news coming from the Red side of the clash.

Arne Slot squad update

In his pre-match press conference on Friday, Slot provided an injury update on some of Liverpool's absent players.

Slot explained that Dutch international Cody Gakpo and Englishman Joe Gomez are confirmed absentees for the trip to London. "He [Gakpo] had a scan that looked promising so that means that we are not that worried anymore, as we were maybe one or two weeks ago," said Slot.

"So that means he might come back a bit earlier than expected two weeks ago, but that’s definitely not tomorrow and also not next week. Joe is not in the squad as well for the weekend and Dominik trained yesterday, parts of the training [session], for the first time so let’s see where he is today and how he is tomorrow. Jeremie is in the squad again as well."

On Szoboszlai, he said: "That completely depends on how he does today. So if he can fulfil the whole training session and then you speak to the player and the medical staff.

"If the player feels comfortable to play and he did all the things he had to do, then he will start. If he can fulfil the whole session or he fulfils it but he doesn’t feel comfortable himself, we will have a discussion.

"But Dom has been a starter for me in the one-and-a-half years I am here now and for the performances he’s brought in, he would be a starter tomorrow if he is completely fit."

Salah prepares for next step

Mohamed Salah caused uproar with his accusations that he had been 'thrown under a bus' following Liverpool's 3-3 draw with Leeds United earlier this month.

He was subsequently left out of Arne Slot's squad for the Champions League clash with Inter Milan, before coming on a substitute last weekend against Brighton. Salah has since departed Liverpool as he prepares to take part in the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt, and his future at Anfield is still very much up in the air.

The Liverpool forward has now begun training with Egypt at the Taghazout Stadium in Agadir, with his side preparing to face Zimbabwe on December 22. The national side's first training session with their full AFCON squad took place on Thursday, and included Salah in the 28-player collective.

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Szoboszlai, Gakpo, Gomez: Latest Liverpool injury news ahead of Tottenham clash  The Mirror

Liverpool have been handed some good news on the eve of their trip to face Tottenham in the Premier League on Saturday, but Arne Slot will still be without a full squad

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has revealed that Dominik Szoboszlai should be ready for Saturday's clash at Tottenham Hotspur. The Reds will also receive a boost with two right-backs available and the news that Cody Gakpo's knock isn't as serious as initially thought.

Both Szoboszlai and Joe Gomez were forced off during last Saturday's 2-0 triumph over Brighton and Hove Albion at home, a result that stretched Liverpool's unbeaten streak across all competitions to five games.

They'll be aiming to extend that run to six tomorrow evening in north London, and speaking at this morning's press conference, Slot revealed that whilst Gomez will miss out, crucial midfielder Szoboszlai appears set to feature in the squad and will get the nod if he's "completely fit".

The squad will feature Conor Bradley, who was unavailable against Brighton due to suspension, alongside fellow right-back Jeremie Frimpong, who has been out of action since picking up a muscle problem in the 5-1 Champions League victory at Eintracht Frankfurt on October 22, but has now returned to full training.

This comes at a perfect time with Gomez, who began at right-back against the Seagulls, ruled out of the trip to Spurs, reports the Liverpool Echo. There are seven absentees in total with Gomez and Gakpo joined by Wataru Endo, Giovanni Leoni, Stefan Bajcetic, Jayden Danns and Kaide Gordon in the treatment room, while Mohamed Salah has left to play for Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Slot said: "Joe is not in the squad as well for the weekend and Dominik trained yesterday, parts of the training (session), for the first time, so let's see where he is today and how he is tomorrow. Jeremie is in the squad again as well."

When questioned about whether Szoboszlai will start, the boss added: "That completely depends on how he does today. So if can fulfil the whole training session and then you speak to the player and the medical staff. If the player feels comfortable to play and he did all the things he had to do, then he will start.

"If he can fulfil the whole session or he fulfils it but he doesn't feel comfortable himself we will have a discussion. But Dom has been a starter for me in the one-and-a-half years I am here now and for the performances he's brought in, he would be a starter tomorrow if he is completely fit."

Slot also provided a positive update on Gakpo, who had a scan this week. Whilst the attacker will miss this weekend's fixture, along with the home clash against Wolves the following Saturday, he should return earlier than anticipated.

Slot revealed: "He had a scan that looked promising so that means that we are not that worried anymore, as we were maybe one or two weeks ago. So that means he might come back a bit earlier than expected two weeks ago, but that's definitely not tomorrow and also not next week."

No news was given regarding midfielder Endo, whilst defender Leoni remains sidelined long term. The showdown with Tottenham will mark the Reds' first outing since star striker Salah's departure for AFCON.

Tottenham are struggling and go into facing Liverpool in the Premier League at the worst time as Arne Slot finally show a consistent winning momentum in the Premier League

Thomas Frank is in desperate need of a Premier League win this weekend. The Danish manager is under increasing scrutiny, with just one victory in his last seven league matches adding to the pressure on the Spurs boss. Arne Slot is also feeling the heat, but the Liverpool manager appears to have steadied the ship, going unbeaten in his last four league games with two wins and two draws after a troubling spell of six defeats in seven.

Tottenham have lost four of their previous seven Premier League fixtures and now face a Liverpool side enjoying a four-game unbeaten run. Both teams have found the net in four of Spurs’ last six league outings, though Thomas Frank’s side have already suffered four home defeats this season. However, Tottenham have not conceded more than twice in any of those losses and have only failed to score in three league games all season.

Liverpool have a strong recent record against Tottenham, winning six of the last eight meetings across all competitions. The Reds thrashed Spurs 5-1 in their most recent encounter, and both teams have scored in 10 of the last 12 clashes between the two clubs.

The visitors remain unbeaten in their last four Premier League matches, collecting four points from their previous two away games. Both teams have scored in two of Liverpool’s last three league fixtures, and Arne Slot’s men have netted at least twice in three of their last four Premier League appearances.

Tottenham vs Liverpool Prediction

Liverpool to win and both teams to score - 12/5 (Betfred)

Over 2.5 goals - 8/13 (Betfred)

Hugo Ekitike to score anytime - 11/8 (Betfred)

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Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have been credited with an interest in signing FC Koln star Said El Mala

Manchester United have been joined by Tottenham Hotspur in reportedly expressing an interest in one of the Bundesliga's brightest talents. The January transfer window is fast approaching and United are already being linked with several potential new signings.

FC Koln star Said El Mala has emerged as a possible target for United as the New Year moves closer.

Tottenham are also said to have joined the race, with German news outlet SportBild reporting that United and Spurs have made an approach to the Bundesliga outfit over potentially signing the talented 19-year-old.

Reports in recent weeks have speculated that Koln would value El Mala at around €60million (£52.7m) if they were to consider a sale during the summer transfer window. United and Tottenham are reportedly willing to pay up to €40million (£35m) for El Mala, with Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona and Bayern Munich also credited with an interest in recent weeks.

Whether any concrete interest will emerge in January remains to be seen, with El Mala being tipped to be one of the brightest prospects currently playing in the Bundesliga.

The teenager has already been on the radar of Premier League clubs, with Brighton reportedly expressing an interest last summer and are rumoured to have had an offer rejected. There have been suggestions that the bid was worth around €10million (£8.8m).

Last week, Koln supervisory board member Lionel Souque claimed that Brighton's owner, Tony Bloom, had contacted him about potentially striking a deal for El Mala during the summer.

"Through a friend at the carnival, the owner of the club [Bloom] had my mobile number, called me and tried to see if he had a chance through me, after it didn't work out through management," Souque said on the OMR podcast.

"I told him: 'I'm glad we’re talking, but I'm a fruit and vegetable vendor, you're apparently a poker player - there's no way we’re going to negotiate.' He didn’t find that funny.

"Thomas Kessler (Koln sporting director) decides, not me. And I strongly suspect that the club will initially focus on such a great young player."

El Mala can play across the forward line but has been mostly used in the left wing role for Koln this season. The Germany Under-21 international has scored six goals and provided three assists in just 14 appearances so far this term.

John Brooks has been appointed to referee Liverpool's Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, with the Reds having notable history with the official

John Brooks has been selected to referee Liverpool's Premier League showdown with Tottenham this Saturday. The Reds have less than fond memories of Brooks, who gave Virgil van Dijk his marching orders during their game against Newcastle United at St James' Park in August 2023.

Van Dijk was shown the red card for denying his current teammate, Alexander Isak, a clear shot at goal. The Liverpool captain was slapped with an automatic one-match ban, which was followed by an additional suspension and a hefty £100,000 fine from the Football Association after he refused to leave the pitch and argued with Brooks and fourth official Craig Pawson.

Despite being a man down for over an hour, the Reds managed to clinch a 2-1 victory, thanks to Darwin Nunez who came off the bench to net two goals. In February, Brooks was removed from VAR duties for Liverpool's derby with Everton and Arsenal's face-off with Manchester City, following his contentious decision to disallow Brighton's goal in their 1‐1 draw with Crystal Palace.

Since then, Brooks has refereed four Liverpool matches, the most recent being the 2-1 Premier League triumph over Chelsea in October 2024, a match in which Slot questioned several decisions made by Brooks. For the upcoming game against Tottenham, Anthony Taylor will serve as the fourth official, while Stuart Attwell will be on Video Assistant Referee (VAR) duty,

Just last month, Attwell faced backlash for a significant decision in Liverpool's 2-0 victory over Aston Villa. Amadou Onana escaped a red card after he seemed to grab Alexis Mac Allister by the throat as Villa were setting up to take a corner.

"The fact they were pushing and shoving each other and all right, he's raised his arm, probably a bit higher than he wanted, but he's pushing," said former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher on Sky Sports ' Ref Watch programme afterwards.

"Stuart's [Attwell] got to decide, is it violent? Is it an act of brutality? He said: 'No,' he's obviously relayed to the VAR what he's seen, VAR has checked it back. The referee said, yellow card only."

Previously, during the League Cup semi-final first leg at Tottenham in January 2022, Attwell frustrated the Liverpool camp after declining to send off Lucas Bergvall, just moments before the player netted the winning goal. The 18-year-old received a booking midway through the second half following a late tackle on Luis Diaz.

He then avoided a second yellow card shortly before scoring after diving in on Kostas Tsimikas. Saturday is another crucial match for Liverpool in north London, with Slot's squad targeting consecutive wins following recent stalemates against Sunderland and Leeds United.

Spurs, on the other hand, suffered a 3-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest last Sunday and have now recorded six victories and six losses each in the Premier League.