Arne Slot faces a conundrum in how to set out his Liverpool line-up for Wednesday's climactic clash against Qarabag
Liverpool Manager Arne Slot during his post match press conference during the Premier League match between Bournemouth and Liverpool at Vitality Stadium
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has one particular selection headache for the Champions League clash against Qarabag on Wednesday(Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)
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Everything you need to know about Liverpool's squad selection headache
Final League Phase Matchup: Liverpool enter the match against Azerbaijani champions Qarabag sat fourth in the overall table and aiming to secure a top-eight finish. A positive result at Anfield is required to guarantee direct entry to the round of 16 and avoid the extra play-off round in February.
Three-Card Suspension Rule: Under UEFA regulations, any player who accumulates three yellow cards during the league phase and knockout rounds receives an automatic one-match ban. These bookings are not wiped from a player's record until the completion of the quarter-finals later in the spring.
Key Player at Immediate Risk: Midfielder Curtis Jones and young defender Conor Bradley are the only Liverpool players currently walking a disciplinary tightrope with two yellow cards each. While Bradley is currently sidelined with a long-term injury, Jones is fit and remains the primary concern for this fixture.
Implications of a Jones Booking: If Jones receives a yellow card against Qarabag, he will be suspended for the first leg of Liverpool’s next European fixture. Missing such a constant presence in midfield this term would be a significant setback as the competition enters the high-stakes knockout phase.
Slot’s Midfield Mitigation Strategy: Head coach Arne Slot may choose to rest Jones or keep him on the bench to ensure he remains available for the upcoming round of 16 or play-off matches. This rotation would allow Jones to carry his two cautions into the later rounds without the immediate threat of a suspension.
Rotation Options: As an alternative to using Jones in a game he might have otherwise started, Slot could rely on Alexis Mac Allister or Dominik Szoboszlai to anchor the midfield. Both players are currently on only one yellow card, allowing them to play with their usual physical intensity without fear of an imminent ban.
Defensive Selection and Safety Margins: With Bradley injured, Jeremie Frimpong is expected to continue at right-back, which naturally protects the team from further disciplinary risks in that position. Key central defenders Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate only have one booking each, providing them with a safety margin for this match.
Balancing Results and Protection: The manager faces a delicate challenge in fielding a side strong enough to win while simultaneously safeguarding his at-risk stars for the future. While securing three points is the priority for seeding, preserving the squad’s availability is vital for Liverpool’s longer-term European ambitions.