Gironavs.Liverpool

The Reds lock horns with Michel's outfit aiming to make it six wins from six in the 2024-25 competition, having maintained their 100% record by beating holders Real Madrid 2-0 on matchday five.

Slot's side are the only team in the 36-strong league phase with a perfect tally of 15 points from a possible 15, seeing them cement a first-placed ranking and already guarantee a playoff place at the very worst.

Liverpool also make the trek to the Iberian Peninsula after a rare weekend of no Premier League football, as their proposed Merseyside derby with Everton at Goodison Park was postponed due to dangerous weather during Storm Darragh.

The Reds' lack of action has therefore given Slot's regular starters more time to recuperate ahead of the clash with Girona, where the visitors could also be boosted by a couple of returning fulcrums.

Jota, Alisson train with Liverpool before Girona match

As is obligatory before European matches, Liverpool opened up their first 15 minutes of training to the media on Monday morning, where both Diogo Jota and Alisson Becker were among those present at Kirkby.

Alisson has been sidelined for over two months with the hamstring injury he suffered against Crystal Palace on October 5, but he was able to work with the other goalkeepers in the squad on Monday and could soon threaten Caoimhin Kelleher's spot again.

Meanwhile, Jota has been absent for Liverpool's last 10 matches in all tournaments due to an abdominal issue he picked up against Chelsea on October 20, but the Portugal international was in high spirits as he was put through his paces with the main group.

However, Federico Chiesa may have to wait a little longer to make a senior comeback, as the Italian - who has earned minutes for the Under-21s in the past couple of weeks - did not take part in training on Monday due to illness.

In addition, young midfielder Tyler Morton was absent due to a knock and is not expected to make the journey to Girona, although the 22-year-old would have been unlikely to come into contention for a start anyway.

What other selection concerns do Liverpool have?

While Jota and Alisson appear to be on track to make the travelling squad, Morton and Chiesa could be two of six Liverpool absentees for the meeting with last season's third-placed La Liga side.

All of Ibrahima Konate (knee), Conor Bradley (hamstring) and Kostas Tsimikas (ankle) are longer-term absentees for the Reds, and Slot has conceded that none should be back for a few weeks yet.

In addition, the Reds cannot select Alexis Mac Allister, who serves a one-match Champions League ban after picking up his third yellow card of the tournament in the victory over Real Madrid.

With Mac Allister suspended, Curtis Jones should drop into the Argentine's position alongside Ryan Gravenberch, unless Slot springs a surprise by promoting the out-of-favour Wataru Endo to the first XI.

Written by

Ben Knapton