Liverpool Faces Challenging December With Six Away Games, Says Arne Slot

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Liverpool manager Arne Slot expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming December fixtures, which include six away games out of eight. The team is set to face Newcastle at St. James' Park on Wednesday, following a 2-0 victory over Manchester City that solidified their nine-point lead at the top of the table. Slot has had a successful start at Anfield, winning 18 out of 20 matches and maintaining an average of 2.67 points per game.

The Reds have been unbeaten away from home this season, securing victories in five out of six matches, with only a draw against Arsenal in October. Their record at St. James' Park is impressive, having won five of their last six league games there. Slot acknowledged the difficulty of their away schedule but emphasized his team's readiness to maintain their early-season momentum.

"If Liverpool is [first, second, third or fourth], it is always a special game for the teams we face," Slot stated. "If Liverpool fans come, the stadium is sold out, everybody wants to play us and everyone wants the best game against us, like they have against Arsenal, Man City and the others."

Following Newcastle, Liverpool will face Everton at Goodison Park before heading to Spain to play Girona in the Champions League. Other away fixtures include an EFL Cup quarter-final against Southampton and Premier League matches against Tottenham and West Ham.

Slot provided an update on goalkeeper Alisson Becker's recovery from a hamstring injury that has sidelined him for nine games. In his absence, Caoimhin Kelleher has performed admirably, achieving five clean sheets and saving three penalties in all competitions. Kelleher notably saved Kylian Mbappe's penalty during Liverpool's win over Real Madrid.

Slot mentioned that Alisson is expected to return by the end of December if his recovery continues as planned. "I think I have been clear a few weeks ago about what my position is about our goalkeepers," Slot said. "Caoimhin [Kelleher] is doing too well to put Alisson on goal if he's only 50%. That would not be good for Alisson and it would not be good for the team."

The manager highlighted that while Kelleher has been reliable, Alisson's return will depend on his full fitness. He noted that the final stages of rehabilitation can be uncertain but remains optimistic about Alisson's comeback before month's end.