Liverpool are about to face the biggest challenge of the 2024-25 season after the international break.
The Reds are top of the Premier League table, but pundits are sceptical that they can sustain a title challenge as they have not faced any tough opponents yet.
Now is the time. The next few weeks will determine whether they are the real deal under Arne Slot or whether they need to rebuild extensively to catch up with Manchester City or Arsenal.
Liverpool will face Chelsea, Arsenal, Brighton, and Aston Villa in the Premier League before the November international break, and then Manchester City, Newcastle, and Everton in close succession.
In between, the Reds have Champions League fixtures to deal with. Slot will need his best players to be in top form, as well as his squad players to step up.
The return of Harvey Elliott will come as a huge boost for the squad, even though the talented winger has barely featured.
The 21-year-old made only one substitute appearance in the Premier League season, which is a big surprise, as he was one of Jurgen Klopp’s key players.
Elliott then got injured last month after experiencing discomfort during training for the England U-21 camp. After undergoing a scan, it was revealed that he had fractured a bone in his left foot.
According to James Pearce of The Athletic, Elliott was seen outside Kirkby on Monday after completing a gym session. It is highly unlikely that he will be able to make a comeback against Chelsea, but he could return at some point this month.
Elliott is a versatile attacking midfielder who can play either on the right-hand side or in the No 10 role. Slot can use him in cup games and gradually integrate him into the first-team squad, as he can be a killer option from the bench.
Liverpool fans will be thrilled to hear the news that he has been recovering well, and it will not take long for him to return to the first-team squad.
In other Liverpool news, Slot will be delighted after what the Reds midfielder did this week on international duty.
