Arne Slot confirms Liverpool star who can play centre-back is out for 'quite a long time' ahead of Brightonplaceholder image
Arne Slot confirms Liverpool star who can play centre-back is out for 'quite a long time' ahead of Brighton | Getty Images
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has been speaking ahead of his side’s FA Cup clash with Brighton and Hove Albion
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has confirmed that Wataru Endō will be out for ‘quite a long time’ after picking up an injury against Sunderland on Wednesday night.
The Anfield cult hero was used at right back at the Stadium of Light but went down in the second half after appearing to injure his ankle while clearing a cross behind for a corner.
After some treatment he carried on for a few minutes but then went down again and had to be carried off the pitch.
Giving an update ahead of the Reds’ clash with Brighton and Hove Albion at the weekend, Slot said: “For the injury, we still need to assess but it's clear and obvious he's out for quite a long time. Don't forget he is a good centre-back and midfielder too and it is not as though positions [are well filled], we're quite vulnerable there as well."
Endo played right-back against the Black Cats because of injuries to Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley. Dominik Szoboszlai was suspended for the game after being sent off deep into stoppage time against Manchester City last weekend.
The Hungarian international will be available again this weekend as his sending off was for denying a goal-scoring opportunity, which only carries a one-game ban.
Speaking about his potential team selection for the clash with the Seagulls, Slot added: “Not the first time we've had three games in seven days, it is part of being a top club. It depends what draw you have too and we play a strong Brighton side, they don't deserve the position they are in, they play so much better than the table shows, they deserve more than they get so it is another challenge.
“It took me a long time before I could fall asleep because I was constantly thinking of the same options. Which players, which other players, which positions, so I need another 24 hours.
"Where is this as a priority? We have three clear priorities, FA Cup, Champions League qualification and the Champions League. We are also aware of the limited options so the load management is important, the last thing we need is another injury, so that is always the tough thing for a manager, to make the best decision every time. I
“It wouldn't be the first time a player gets injured if they have to play three in seven. The most important thing is we train today, listen to the players, see how they feel and make the best decisions."
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