Arne Slot Delivers Liverpool Injury Update and Admits He Could Have Picked Different FA Cup Side

In a candid post-match briefing following Liverpool's FA Cup victory over Barnsley, manager Arne Slot provided key injury updates on several squad members while reflecting on his team selection choices.[3][4]

Slot addressed the substitution of promising youngster Rio Ngumoha late in the second half, clarifying it was due to cramp rather than a serious issue. "It was just cramp after an intense performance," Slot explained, expressing optimism that the teenager would recover quickly and feature prominently in upcoming fixtures.[3][4]

The Dutch coach also touched on broader injury concerns plaguing his squad this January. Midfielder Stefan Bajcetic has suffered a fresh hamstring setback, ruling him out until at least the end of the month and derailing potential loan moves. The 21-year-old, who last played for the first team 613 days ago, now faces limited opportunities beyond the under-21s.[1]

Right-back Conor Bradley was ruled out for the remainder of the 2025/26 season after a non-contact injury in the recent 0-0 draw against Arsenal. Stretchered off following a controversial incident involving Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli, Bradley requires surgery for bone and ligament damage, missing Northern Ireland's World Cup play-offs.[2]

Slot highlighted ongoing absences, including Alexander Isak's season-ending broken leg from December, Hugo Ekitike's hamstring problem, Joe Gomez's hamstring injury, and Wataru Endo's ankle issue, placing immense pressure on the squad's depth.[1]

Reflecting on the Barnsley tie, Slot admitted he could have selected a different lineup, praising academy players like Scotland international Calvin Ramsay—who impressed despite a prior League Cup defeat—and Ngumoha. "Calvin had a very decent performance, calm on the ball," Slot noted of Ramsay's composure.[2]

Despite the injury woes, Liverpool sit fourth in the Premier League after 21 games, with Slot urging resilience amid a demanding schedule.[1][2]

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