Arne Slot discusses squad limitations and injuries ahead of Liverpool vs Qarabag | OneFootball

Coach reveals injury concerns before Champions League night

Arne Slot discusses squad limitations and injuries ahead of Liverpool vs Qarabag

Liverpool coach Arne Slot said injuries and small squad have forced difficult choices before Champions League match against Qarabag.

Slot faces pressure before Anfield test

Liverpool manager Arne Slot spoke on Tuesday evening ahead of the Reds Champions League league-phase match against Qarabag scheduled at Anfield in matchday 8 of the 2025 /26 campaign.

Slot admitted that some players have been disappointed by his selection decisions explaining that injuries and the heavy fixture schedule have left him with limited options.

While Mohamed Salah had previously shown frustration about not starting in certain games,, Slot did not mention any player by name in his comments.

Injury concerns and defensive problems

Slot confirmed that defender Joe Gomez will not be available, with no clear return date yet.

He also spoke about Ibrahima Konate saying the French centre-back is going through difficult period and will not be ready for the Qarabag match.

On Andy Robertson, Slot said the Scotland international is part of the squad and expects him to remain at the club during the current month despite speculation about his future.

The coach also warned that Liverpool may again be forced to use players out of position in defence, with only Virgil van Dijk being the natural centre back fully fit for the match.

“Noise will not stop unless we improve”

Slot addressed growing pressure around Liverpool’s poor Premier League form saying criticism is impossible to avoid at club expected to compete for trophies.

He explained that Liverpool move the ball well between both penalty areas but the team has major problems in the key moments.

Slot said the Reds must improve in turning chances into goals while also stopping opponents from creating easy scoring opportunities.

He described the current balance as clearly flawed adding that the situation will continue to create “noise” unless results improve.

Slot admitted he cannot rotate as freely as Qarabag’s coach noting that Liverpool’s squad is smaller than last season.

He gave example of managing striker minutes explaining that with only one natural centre-forward available for the coming months, he must be careful with his decisions.

He also said players like Jeremie Frimpong cannot always play full matches due to physical risk and repeated that injuries have made the season far more demanding.

Slot stressed that even if fans disagree with his choices ,, they do not always see the full difficulties the coaching staff face behind the scenes.

Slot asked why Liverpool appear more stable in Europe than in domestic competition. He said there is no major difference in level,but competing in both tournaments at the same time has created serious challenges.