Arne Slot expresses concern over another injury setback for Liverpool.
Arne Slot has acknowledged that the “last thing” Liverpool requires this season is yet another injury following midfielder Wataru Endo being stretchered off during the match against Sunderland.
Endo — who was already stepping in for injured teammates at right-back earlier in the week — is now anticipated to be out for “a long time” due to a foot issue. This injury adds to the challenges facing Slot’s squad, which is now significantly depleted ahead of their FA Cup fourth round encounter with Brighton & Hove Albion this weekend.
“Managing the load is crucial because the last thing we need right now is another injury,” Slot stated.
“It is always a challenging balance for the manager, along with the medical team, to determine the best decision to make at every moment. It is also true that a player could sustain an injury if required to play three matches within seven days. However, it has also occurred many times that a player has successfully played three games in that timeframe.
“Thus, that is the challenge we face, but the most critical aspect is that we need to train today, assess how the players are feeling, listen to their feedback, and then make the most informed decision possible.”
Liverpool triumphed over League One team Barnsley to advance to the fourth round of the FA Cup, and Slot recognized that his team must ensure that the narrow margins work in their favor if they aim to move forward in the tournament.
– Transfer rumors, news: Liverpool monitoring USMNT’s Pulisic
– Virgil van Dijk wants Ibrahima Konaté to stay at Liverpool amid contract uncertainty
– Resolute Liverpool revive Champions League qualification hopes
“The margins have been extremely narrow for us this season,” he remarked. “Every time the opposing team gets a slight opportunity in the game, they suddenly score. In contrast, we have to exert considerable effort before we can find the back of the net.
“I did not observe much difference in the last 20 minutes [of Wednesday’s 1-0 victory at Sunderland] compared to what I saw against City [in Sunday’s 2-1 loss]. The distinction was that the first time they reached our goal after we scored, it resulted in a goal. Prior to that, we were pressuring them in their box to net a second. Therefore, the margins are indeed very slim.”
