Liverpool manager Arne Slot faces a growing injury crisis as his team prepares to host Brighton & Hove Albion in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday. The latest setback comes in the form of Wataru Endo, who appears set for a prolonged absence after picking up an injury during Wednesday’s Premier League win at Sunderland.
Slot confirmed the severity of Endo’s injury during his pre-match press conference, stating, “We still need to assess but it’s clear and obvious he’s out for quite a long time.” He added, according to reports from the BBC, “Meg need to wait for the medical investigations, but we expect him to be out for a good period of time.” This adds to the existing concerns surrounding the right-back position, which Slot described as “ridiculous” in terms of the challenges it has presented this season.
The timing of Endo’s injury is particularly problematic, given Liverpool’s limited options in midfield and defense. Slot acknowledged the versatility of the Japan captain, noting his ability to play as a center-back and midfielder, further highlighting the team’s vulnerability in those positions. The manager is now tasked with finding a solution to cover for Endo’s absence, while also managing the workload of his remaining players.
Despite the injury concerns, Slot indicated he is unlikely to heavily rotate his squad for the FA Cup tie against Brighton. He emphasized the importance of the competition, describing it as the Reds’ “most realistic chance of silverware this term.” With a favorable run of fixtures following the Brighton match – Liverpool doesn’t play again for eight days, visiting a Nottingham Forest likely to have a new manager – Slot believes there is no excuse for prioritizing rest and rotation.
“It took me a long time before I could fall asleep because I was constantly thinking of the same options,” Slot admitted, reflecting on the difficulty of selecting his starting lineup. He stressed the need to balance player fitness with the desire to progress in the FA Cup, acknowledging the challenge of avoiding further injuries.
The absence of Endo will undoubtedly impact Liverpool’s tactical approach. His defensive solidity and ability to break up play will be missed, particularly against a Brighton side that Slot described as “playing so much better than the table shows.” Brighton, despite their league position, poses a significant threat with their attacking quality and tactical flexibility.
Slot also highlighted the importance of key players like Dominik Szoboszlai and Milos Kerkez, praising their contributions to the team. He lauded Szoboszlai’s “qualities [that] are already at an unattainable level,” noting his exceptional ability with and without the ball, his work rate, and his tactical intelligence. Szoboszlai’s versatility, allowing him to play in multiple positions, further enhances his value to the team.
Regarding Kerkez, Slot emphasized the energy he brings to the team and his improved defensive stability. He noted Kerkez’s ability to contain some of the world’s best wingers and his growing contribution to the team’s attacking build-up.
Beyond the personnel issues, Slot also addressed Liverpool’s struggles in set-piece situations. He acknowledged that the Premier League has become increasingly reliant on set-piece goals, stating, “The Premier League this season is much, much more about set-pieces than it was last season.” He admitted that Liverpool’s current balance in set-piece situations is not conducive to winning the league, indicating a need for improvement in this area.
The Liverpool captain, Virgil van Dijk, also received praise from Slot. The manager highlighted Van Dijk’s leadership qualities, both on and off the pitch, and his significant contribution to the team’s attacking and defensive efforts. Van Dijk scored the winning goal against Sunderland, further solidifying his importance to the team.
As Liverpool prepares to face Brighton, the focus will be on navigating the injury crisis and maintaining a competitive edge in the FA Cup. Slot’s ability to find solutions to the team’s challenges will be crucial, as he aims to salvage as much as possible from a difficult campaign. The match, scheduled for at 21:00 GMT, represents a significant opportunity for Liverpool to progress in a competition that offers a realistic path to silverware.
