Arne Slot had little time to dwell on Liverpool’s recent draw with Aston Villa before shifting focus to their upcoming clash with Manchester City. Speaking to the media, the manager provided important updates on the team’s injury situation, starting with Cody Gakpo.
“We’ll have to wait and see. I hope he’ll be available, but I can’t say for sure,” Slot admitted. “He hasn’t trained with the squad yet—maybe a little today. It’s going to be a close call.”
The Dutch forward’s availability remains uncertain, adding to Liverpool’s growing concerns. Meanwhile, Conor Bradley, who suffered a knock against Aston Villa, is unlikely to recover in time. Slot’s update suggested a bleak outlook:
“No, he still has to report in, so we don’t have all the details yet. But I’d be very surprised if he’s ready for City or Newcastle. Realistically, you can assume he won’t be involved in either match.”
Joe Gomez’s situation is even more concerning. The versatile defender underwent surgery for a hamstring injury, ruling him out for an extended period. Slot confirmed that Gomez is unlikely to feature again this season, though there’s a slim chance he could return just before the final fixtures.
**Defensive Worries Mount**
Liverpool’s defensive issues don’t end there. Slot addressed the conditions of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Diogo Jota, both of whom are working their way back from injuries. While neither player is currently sidelined, their workload needs to be carefully managed.
“They’re not injured, but they’re returning from injuries,” Slot explained. “They won’t be able to play 90 minutes five times in 15 days. That would be too much of a risk, as we saw with Conor Bradley.”
This cautious approach means Liverpool’s defensive depth is stretched thin, especially with Gomez unavailable and Bradley out for the foreseeable future. Alexander-Arnold’s minutes must be managed carefully, leaving the Reds with limited options at the back during a hectic fixture schedule.
**Squad Rotation and Key Selection Dilemmas**
Further up the pitch, Darwin Núñez could play an important role against Manchester City. With Gakpo’s status uncertain and Jota not yet at full fitness, the Uruguayan striker may get his chance to make a statement. After missing a crucial chance at Villa Park and facing criticism on social media, this high-profile match offers him an opportunity to silence his detractors.
Some Liverpool supporters have expressed frustration over the club’s lack of defensive signings in the January transfer window. However, young defender Jarell Quansah has shown he can step in at right-back if required, offering Slot a potential solution to the team’s defensive shortages.
With five games in just 15 days before a lighter March schedule, Liverpool must navigate this crucial period carefully. Avoiding further injuries while securing key points in the title race will be their top priority as they prepare for one of their toughest tests of the season.
