Liverpool XI vs Barnsley: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup, injury latest for FA Cup | OneFootball

Slot could hand rare start to forgotten Liverpool defender in FA Cup tie

Arne Slot is expected to rotate heavily for Liverpool’s FA Cup third round clash against Barnsley.

Alexander Isak is a long-term injury casualty, while Mohamed Salah is away on international duty with Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Those absentees should open the door for Federico Chiesa and Rio Ngumoha to start on flanks. Alternatively, the Italian could lead the line with Jeremie Frimpong continuing as a right-winger.

Rio Ngumoha is pushing for a start against Barnsley

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Slot is likely to freshen up his midfield with Curtis Jones set for a return, potentially being partnered by youngster Trey Nyoni as Florian Wirtz continues in the No10 position.

Captain Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate are due a well-earned rest, though Liverpool’s options in central defence are limited with Giovanni Leoni and Wataru Endo both out injured.

As a result, Joe Gomez and Andy Robertson could forge a partnership - which was the case in the Carabao Cup fourth round tie against Crystal Palace.

Conor Bradley was stretchered off against Arsenal and could be replaced at right-back by forgotten defender Calvin Ramsay who has not featured for the first team since October.

Predicted Liverpool XI: Mamardashvili; Ramsay, Gomez, Robertson, Kerkez; Jones, Nyoni; Frimpong, Wirtz, Ngumoha; Chiesa

Injured: Endo, Isak, Leoni, Bradley

Doubts: Ekitike

Unavailable: Salah (AFCON)

Time and date: 7.45pm GMT on Monday, January 12, 2026

How to watch: TNT Sports

Venue: Anfield