Arne Slot rules out five key players for Liverpool’s Carabao Cup clash
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net.
Liverpool vs Southampton - Arne Slot updatesLiverpool coach Arne Slot reveals a major tweak to be expected when his charges line up to face Southampton on Tuesday in the Carabao Cup third round at Anfield.
The Reds have commenced the 2025/2026 season in blistering form, picking up 5 wins from 5 matches played in the Premier League while also securing a 3-2 over Spanish rivals Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League.
The Carabao Cup returns to Anfield as Liverpool look to navigate hectic early season run of fixtures and Slot is set to shuffle his team as he prioritizes keeping his squad fit and firing.
The game against the Saints presents an opportunity for some players to get needed rest while also giving a chance to those trying to stake their claims for a place in the team.
ALSO READ: Hugo Ekitike breaks silence on snubbing Newcastle for Liverpool
Following the Merseyside Derby victory on Saturday, Arne Slot made it obvious that rotation will shape the midweek tie, citing the need to manage player workload amid a demanding schedule.
“This is the reason why teams like us and others in Europe need a big squad like this, you play so many games; it’s not an excuse and we accept it.” The Reds’ have just come through a period where they have played 3 matches in 7 days.
However, as per Liverpool FC official website, Slot acknowledged the contributions of a trusted group of players during this demanding stretch:
“The good thing is I have the option to rotate during the week, and the ones that played three 90 minutes are Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Mohamed Salah, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai, the ones that are used to this kind of intensity and they showed up really good again.”
Speaking on his plans for team selection and the quintet, he further added: “I can tell you now you won’t be seeing them on Tuesday.”
Despite offering an early glimpse into his lineup plans, Slot still has a wealth of options to rotate.
Every senior Liverpool player was fit for Saturday’s Merseyside derby and appeared to emerge injury-free.
A record-smashing transfer window has handed Slot a powerful squad, giving him the luxury to gradually reintroduce players like Alexander Isak after his self-imposed break during the off-season.
The team sheet against Southampton could feature those who have been struggling for minutes in the team like Federico Chiesa, Conor Bradley, Giorgi Mamardashvili and Wataru Endo.
Youngsters, including Rio Ngumoha, Jayden Danns, Giovanni Leoni and Trey Nyoni, may also be beckoned upon by Arne Slot to take a place in the team.
Liverpool’s predicted XI: Mamardashvili — Frimpong, Gomez, Leoni, Robertson — Jones, Endo, Wirtz — Chiesa, Rio, Isak.
ALSO READ: Liverpool line up unexpected big-money target for January transfer window