Milos Kerkez was replaced late in the win at West Ham after calling for attention, and Arne Slot has offered a positive update on the left-back.
Kerkez was named in the starting lineup for the third successive game in the space of eight days, but was replaced late on by Andy Robertson.
Liverpool’s No. 6 was seen asking for attention on the far side of the pitch late in the 2-0 win, and was subsequently replaced in the 85th minute.
There is no injury to report, though, with Slot confirming “it was cramp” during his post-match press conference, allaying fears of another issue at full-back.
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Slot’s verdict on Kerkez’s performance
As for Kerkez’s performance on Sunday, Slot reiterated how he is one of a number of players who have needed to adjust to the demands at Liverpool as he offered his verdict.
“The only moment when [Jarrod] Bowen had a chance was when he [Kerkez] was out, but that was nothing to do with the full-back that was in,” Slot assessed.
“That was the only chance they had and, as a result of that, the only chance Bowen had.
“A good performance, a good defensive performance from him.
“I think he was also attacking-wise a threat a few times in the first half, and another time when it didn’t lead to a shot on target, but the cut-back cross from him when we overloaded the box.
LONDON, ENGLAND - Sunday, November 30, 2025: Liverpool's Milos Kerkez (R) is challenged by West Ham United's captain Jarrod Bowen during the FA Premier League match between West Ham United FC and Liverpool FC at the London Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“These were all moments where I think if we are in a better moment of form these moments will lead to more goals.
“Good, but it also maybe tells you something I have emphasised a lot of times, some players need to adapt to the Premier League – and I have emphasised a lot of times the fact some players need to adapt to three games a week.
“Maybe it is not a surprise that Milos has cramp in the end for two reasons: he is not completely used to that and, second of all, because he puts so much effort in every single time he plays.”
After playing 243 minutes in just over a week compared to Robertson’s 27 minutes – hence the cramp – the expectation is the Scot will take over in the midweek meeting against Sunderland.
Liverpool will need fresh legs against the buoyant newly-promoted side, who fought back from 2-0 over the weekend to clinch a 3-2 win over Bournemouth to sit sixth in the table.