“They’re a threat,” Liverpool boss Arne Slot wary of Enzo Maresca and Chelsea ahead of blockbuster clash

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has been left worried about Chelsea's recent form under manager Enzo Maresca, ahead of a much-anticipated clash.

“They’re a threat,” Liverpool boss Arne Slot wary of Enzo Maresca and Chelsea ahead of blockbuster clash

Arne Slot praised Chelsea and manager Enzo Maresca for brilliant form. (via Hayters TV)

Liverpool manager Arne Slot praised Chelsea and its manager Enzo Maresca for their impressive form this season, ahead of a much-anticipated clash between the two sides. The Dutchman also exclaimed that the Blues could finish in the ‘top four or three positions’.

Currently on top of the table with 18 points from seven matches, the Reds, under high-flying new manager Arne Slot, face their toughest challenge in the next two weeks. They face fourth-placed Chelsea this weekend, followed by a match against Arsenal next week.

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The Blues, who have been in good form could surprise Liverpool, as they come off the back of a six-game unbeaten streak, also having scored 16 goals in the process. Their billion-dollar recruitment model, which was initially criticized, is now paying off. 

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Speaking to reporters in a pre-match press conference, Slot exclaimed that Chelsea’s recent form makes them a ‘threat’ in terms of competing for the Champions League spots on the table. The Dutchman spoke about the Blues’ success in the second-half of the previous season, and its continuation this season as well. He also praised the club’s young squad and their manager Enzo Maresca. Moreover, he added that with continued investment and good form, Chelsea could challenge for the title in the upcoming years.

They got a lot of criticism in recent years but if you look at where they are now, they are already a threat for the top four or three positions.

Arne Slot on Chelsea’s form

Meanwhile, the former Feyenoord boss was also wary of the Blues’ strong away form and their attacking prowess. He particularly pointed to Chelsea star Cole Palmer, who has provided 11 goal contributions. However, he also noted the Blues’ defensive weaknesses, and susceptibility at the back. 

Arne Slot provides injury update on Liverpool players ahead of clash against Chelsea

Liverpool manager Arne Slot provided updates on the club’s injury situation, ahead of their clash against fourth-placed Chelsea, this weekend. The Dutchman confirmed the players who would be available to feature against the Blues.

Arne Slot Liverpool injury
Liverpool manager Arne Slot provided an update on the club’s injury status. (via Yahoo Sports)

In a major setback, Slot informed that goalkeeper Alisson Becker would miss out for a few weeks due to a muscular injury. He identified it as a massive blow to the team, owing to Chelsea’s attacking threat. The Brazilian keeper will be replaced by youngster Caoimhin Kelleher. Apart from him, Liverpool also have Federico Chiesa, Wataru Endo and Harvey Elliott out with injury.

Meanwhile, the Blues may miss out on the services of their skipper Reece James, who is yet to recover from an injury that he sustained during the start of the season. He will be joined by Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana, who miss out due to suspension.