Arne Slot hit with Conor Bradley injury blow as he vows to go strong against Barnsley

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Liverpool manager Arne Slot is set to field a strong side in the FA Cup tie against Barnsley, determined to avoid a repeat of last season’s shock exit to Plymouth. Reflecting on that defeat, Slot acknowledges that heavy rotation and an imbalance between youth and experience contributed to the upset, and he is intent on ensuring there is no complacency this time.

Slot has been clear that the cup competitions are a priority for Liverpool and not an afterthought, stressing that the club must respect every opponent regardless of division. He views the Barnsley match as an opportunity both to progress in the competition and to reinforce standards after an inconsistent run of form.

Team selection will be shaped by a fresh blow: an injury to right-back Conor Bradley, who had been pushing strongly for more minutes. Bradley’s setback limits Slot’s options in defence and may force him to rely more heavily on established senior players rather than experimenting with a heavily rotated back line. The manager is expected to keep a solid core of first-team regulars, using only careful, targeted changes around them.

Slot has also highlighted the importance of managing Liverpool’s busy schedule while still putting out sides capable of winning every game. He insists that, unlike the Plymouth tie, this fixture will not be used primarily as a development exercise for youngsters, even though a small number of academy players could still feature from the bench.

Overall, Slot’s message before Barnsley is one of focus, respect and determination. He wants his team to treat the tie like any Premier League match, respond to last year’s embarrassment, and show that Liverpool can compete seriously on all fronts without underestimating lower-league opposition.