The Mirror

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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.

All the latest news from Anfield ahead of Liverpool v Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League

Liverpool's season is almost back on track, with Arne Slot's team going unbeaten in their last five games. After starting the campaign strong with five consecutive wins, the Reds suffered a woeful losing run which included defeats to Manchester United, Manchester City, Brentford and Nottingham Forest.

The 2-0 victory against Brighton, where Hugo Ekitike bagged two goals, will provide the team with the momentum to push on and make something of the 2025/2026 campaign. Next up in the Premier League is a date with Tottenham Hotspur away from home. Spurs have similarly been struggling to hit form and will be looking to bounce back after losing 3-0 to Nottingham Forest.

With a stacked festive period kick-starting, Slot will be hoping his team can get results while main man Mohamed Salah is away on AFCON duties. Ahead of this weekend's game, Mirror Football take a look at all the biggest news coming out of Anfield.

Mohamed Salah flight diverted

Mohamed Salah is reportedly travelling to Saudi Arabia before AFCON. The attacker's future is up in the air after his explosive mixed zone rant after the game against Leeds United.

He returned against Brighton & Hove Albion, though, setting up Ekitike's second goal of the match.

According to Saudi broadcaster Al-Riyadiya, Salah will head to Jeddah before joining his Egyptian team-mates in Morocco.

The main reason is to perform the pilgrimage of Umrah and he may also link up with the Saudi Ministry of Tourism.

Star to say farewell

Under-16s player Kai Morrall has said goodbye to Liverpool after eight years of service at the club.

He arrived as an under-9s signings and is now an international player with Ireland. Posting to Instagram about his departure, the teenager wrote: "After 8 years at Liverpool, it is time for me to say goodbye.

"I would like to thank all the staff and the coaches that helped me develop into a better player and a person.

"I will miss the memories and friends I made along the way; however, I am looking forward to starting a new chapter and hopefully more things to come."

Tottenham have won just six of their 16 Premier League matches this season following the miserable 3-0 defeat by Nottingham Forest, which has increased pressure on Thomas Frank

Thomas Frank is under mounting pressure as Tottenham boss. But Frank does expect to be given time to turn things around despite an underwhelming start to his reign.

Under-fire Spurs boss Frank’s future has come under the spotlight again after a damaging defeat at Nottingham Forest on Sunday. Frank is one point worse off than previous boss Ange Postecoglou at the same stage as last season and fans are divided on the former Brentford manager.

Spurs players are also believed not to be convinced about Frank’s tactics while his methods have yet to produce consistent results. But Frank retains support from within and the club believe he can turn it around despite his rocky start.

They have made their worst start to a season - just 22 points from their opening 16 games - since 2008. That run has included defeats to Arsenal, Chelsea and Fulham while they crashed out of the Carabao Cup at Newcastle.

That is a massive worry for the club’s hierarchy along with less than 48,000 turning up for last week’s Champions League win over Slavia Prague.

Despite it being close to Christmas and ticket prices are expensive, the club had been desperate for a return to Europe’s top stage but fans have been left frustrated with home results and performances.

Tottenham were beaten 3-0 at Forest on Sunday with the home fans chanting: “You’re getting sacked in the morning.”

Frank was former chairman Daniel Levy’s appointment which may not help his cause but the Dane has received backing from the club’s new hierarchy. The Lewis family have made it clear they want success but Frank has warned it will “not be a quick fix” and believes he will get the chance to make improvements.

Tottenham face Liverpool on Saturday which is then followed by a trip to Crystal Palace on December 28 and the spotlight will be on Frank. Fans will be expecting an improvement in performances and results while the players must show they are behind the manager.

Frank was snubbed by Djed Spence and Micky van de Ven when he tried to get them to go over to the Spurs fans after the Chelsea defeat last month. Spence threw down his coat in frustration after being substituted at Forest on Sunday and that will certainly not help to convince onlookers that the dressing room are fully behind him.