Image Credits: Imago Images
Liverpool remain stretched by injuries and absences ahead of Leeds United’s visit to Anfield on New Year’s Day, despite the return of Dominik Szoboszlai from suspension. Arne Slot has been forced to rely on an inexperienced bench in recent weeks, with teenagers Rio Ngumoha, Trey Nyoni and Wellity Lucky among those filling in. While Cody Gakpo returned from injury against Wolves and Conor Bradley was fit enough for the bench, Liverpool’s squad is still depleted.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of the Leeds United game, Slot said: “We have highs and lows, so we have to accept that. What I mainly took and take from it is that we struggled a lot, or much more, when they went to a four when they started to play 4-3-3 in the last 20 minutes of the game. That’s also when they scored their goals. OK, the first one was another VAR intervention, but the second one was a really good goal from them. The third one was a set-piece. But we struggled more when they played with four than when they played with five [at the back]. I will definitely look at both, but especially the moment when they went to a four at the back.”
The Reds are set to be without several senior players. Giovanni Leoni is ruled out for the season following ACL surgery, while Alexander Isak remains sidelined with a fractured leg. Mohamed Salah will miss at least two more matches as he continues his Africa Cup of Nations duties with Egypt.
Wataru Endo is a doubt after missing four games with an ankle issue, and Joe Gomez is still unavailable due to a hamstring injury. Florian Wirtz was absent from team training, although this does not necessarily rule him out, having been seen around the training ground. Slot could therefore be without up to five senior players as Liverpool look to continue their strong form against Leeds.
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