LOArne Slot can seemingly do no wrong as Liverpool manager, but uncertainty over the futures of Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold is casting a shadow over a spectacular season.
The Reds head into their heavyweight Champions League home clash against Real Madrid on Nov 27 top of the table in Europe, and eight points clear in the English Premier League thanks to a near-flawless start under new boss Slot.
The Dutchman has won 16 of his 18 matches to make light of a predicted hangover after Jurgen Klopp's emotional farewell at the end of last season.
Salah, 32, has spearheaded the flying start with 12 goals and 10 assists in all competitions.
Yet the Egyptian forward further fuelled talk over where he will be next season, after scoring twice to beat Southampton 3-2 on Nov 24, saying he is "more out than in".
Salah, captain van Dijk, 33, and home-grown hero Alexander-Arnold, 26, are out of contract at the end of the season and can begin speaking to foreign clubs in just over a month's time.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der November 27, 2024-Ausgabe von The Straits Times.
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Diese Geschichte stammt aus der November 27, 2024-Ausgabe von The Straits Times.
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TACKLE PLASTIC WASTE, ONE NAIL AT A TIME
Before global leaders take the problem of plastic pollution into their hands in November, Japanese manicurist Naomi Arimoto is putting it on her fingernails.
Unpacking Ireland's cultural and creative renaissance
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Jung Ho-yeon and Lee Dong-hwi split
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Dorothy's ruby slippers to go under the hammer
The ruby slippers worn by the late American actress Judy Garland in classic film The Wizard Of Oz (1939) will be sold at auction in December, nearly 20 years after they were stolen.
Artist Julie Mehretu opens solo Show in Sydney
Ethiopia-born New York artist Julie Mehretu (right), considered one of the most influential living painters, has opened her first solo show in the Southern Hemisphere in Sydney.
Wicked's renowned costume designer returns to Oz
Tony Award-winning designer Paul Tazewell first created costumes for The Wizard Of Oz in a high-school production
ULTIMATE SELF-CARE
'Tis the season to treat yourself at spas and salons, which have introduced a slew of treatments for head-to-toe pampering
Fifa using $67m legacy fund for social initiatives
LAUSANNE - Fifa launched a US$50 million (S$67 million) legacy fund for social programmes on Nov 27, in collaboration with 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar and the World Health Organisation (WHO), the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency.
THE MARATHON BIKER GUY
Veteran Aussie has cycled over 50 courses in 12 years to ensure the route is 42.195km
Emery upbeat despite late drama against Juve
DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE
