Arne Slot’s Big Liverpool Dilemma Ahead of Southampton Game | OneFootball

Arne Slot’s Careful Balancing Act with Liverpool Squad Ahead of Southampton Clash

Liverpool manager Arne Slot faces a delicate balancing act as his team enters a critical phase of their season. With upcoming matches against Real Madrid and Manchester City looming large, the Dutchman has revealed his concerns over the fitness of his South American stars, following their gruelling international commitments.

Managing South American Returnees

Slot is keeping a close eye on Alexis Mac Allister, Luis Díaz, and Darwin Núñez after their extensive international duty. The trio endured long-haul flights and demanding match schedules while representing Argentina, Colombia, and Uruguay, respectively. Their contributions on the international stage were significant, but the toll on their fitness has not gone unnoticed.

“You have to keep an eye on them, especially the ones who played twice for 90 minutes,” Slot explained. “You see how they are doing, how fit they are, you talk to them a bit more about how they feel—more than I do with the ones who played in Europe.”

Mac Allister played 89 minutes in Argentina’s 1-0 victory over Peru and was substituted in the 64th minute during a 1-0 defeat to Paraguay. Díaz, meanwhile, completed 180 minutes for Colombia across two matches, including a defeat to Núñez’s Uruguay. Núñez himself played the full 90 minutes in that clash and was substituted at half-time in a draw with Brazil. Their heavy workloads leave Slot with no choice but to carefully manage their minutes ahead of the Southampton trip.

Positive News for Harvey Elliott

There is some relief for Slot in the form of Harvey Elliott, who has returned to training after a two-month absence due to a foot injury. While Elliott’s full match sharpness will take time to regain, his availability adds depth to Liverpool’s squad during this busy period.

Photo: IMAGO

“Harvey is training with us again, so that’s the positive thing,” Slot said. “He has been out for many weeks but is on the training ground again with the team. That is different from being at the top of your game immediately, so we have to give him time.”

The head coach’s measured approach highlights his understanding of the physical demands players face, especially during a congested fixture list.

Injury Concerns Persist

Liverpool’s challenges are compounded by the absence of key players. Alisson Becker, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Federico Chiesa, and Diogo Jota have all been ruled out of the Southampton clash, although captain Virgil van Dijk is fit for selection despite missing the Netherlands’ recent Nations League game. Slot’s squad depth will be tested, but his pragmatic leadership offers reassurance as the team navigates this tricky period.

With pivotal fixtures on the horizon, Slot’s ability to balance fitness and form could prove decisive. Liverpool fans will hope his careful management ensures the team remains competitive on all fronts.