Arne Slot could be without two midfielders for Liverpool v Chelsea clash

Arne Slot has been dealt another blow as he prepares for Liverpool's return to Premier League action this weekend.

The head coach already had a potential problem in midfield, after Alexis Mac Allister was forced off in the recent 1-0 win at Crystal Palace and then missed Argentina's first match of the international break.

But now that concern has been compounded by the news that Wataru Endo is not in Japan's matchday squad for their game against Australia today (Tuesday, kick-off 11:35 UK time).

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It had been reported that the Reds midfielder could miss the World Cup qualifier in Saitama due to injury and that fear has now been realised.

Liverpool could ill afford to be without both Endo and Mac Allister for Sunday's colossal clash with Chelsea, who are set to provide the first real test of Slot's successful start to life at Anfield.

There was, however, some good news in the midfield department during this international break, when Dominik Szoboszlai produced a brilliant performance and scored a clinical goal as Hungary beat Bosnia and Herzegovina in the UEFA Nations League.