Arne Slot is wary of who to pick at right-back for Liverpool as they play three big games across the next seven days.
The Reds face a crucial week in their season as they aim to reach the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, consolidate their good position in the Premier League and begin the Champions League knockouts.
For Slot, this represents a challenge as he chooses from a thin Liverpool squad, and the Dutchman admitted that right-back could be a particular problem ahead of Tuesday night’s clash with Wolves.
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FA Cup trophy is pictured on display ahead of the fourth round clash between Macclesfield Town and Brentford (Credit: Getty Images/James Gill - Danehouse). The Premier League trophy pictured at Anfield before Liverpool's final match of the season against Crystal Palace at Anfield (Credit: Getty Images/Julian Finney).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/James Gill/Danehouse/Julian Finney
Slot hints at Jeremie Frimpong rest
The right-back position has been a problem all season long for Liverpool. However, things have improved recently following the return to fitness of Joe Gomez and Jeremie Frimpong.
Both played against West Ham on Saturday, with Gomez completing 77 minutes before being replaced by the Dutchman.
Frimpong did brilliantly in his short time on the pitch, but when asked about his compatriot during his pre-match press conference, Slot admitted that his good performance does not mean he can simply pick him again at Wolves.
Joe Gomez pictured with the ball at his feet during Liverpool's Premier League match against West Ham United at Anfield.
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
“Having Jeremie back is really nice, but it does go through your mind that you play three games in seven days,” said the Liverpool head coach.
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“Because we play Galatasaray we have the early kick-off afterwards in Brighton, 12.30. Those things you all have to take into account especially with players who come back from injuries.
“We know the importance of every single game, and that is a challenge the performance staff, the player himself, the manager has. But I prefer that than to see him with the medical staff doing his recovery.”
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Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Gomez may also be protected
Having two right-backs re-emerge as options at exactly the same time clearly has its challenges for Slot, and while touching on the importance of a relationship between a full-back and winger a little later in the press conference, he mentioned his thinking around Gomez heading into this busy period.
“You can also say the same about Joe Gomez who’s been out for a while, played 75 minutes [against West Ham] for the first time in three or four months,” he said.
“These are all the things which are our situation this season, and I think the players have handled it well.”
Slot does have other options at right-back for the double-header against Wolves and the trip to Galatasaray, but with Florian Wirtz also missing for now, he needs to count on midfielders such as Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones.
It is certainly a headache for Slot, and although it would be a surprise if both of Frimpong and Gomez miss Tuesday’s game, there is a balancing act to be done here.
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