Arne Slot explains big Liverpool 'challenge' and major selection dilemma for Brighton game

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot says he still has some big calls to make when it comes to his team selection, with Wataru Endo the latest Reds player to pick up an injury

Arne Slot during his pre-Brighton FA Cup press conference.(Image: Liverpool FC // YouTube)

Arne Slot says he has some tough selection calls to make as Liverpool takes on Brighton in the FA Cup this weekend, with several injury issues limiting his opportunities to switch things up.

Wataru Endo is set for a significant spell on the sidelines while Alexander Isak, Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni and Jeremie Frimpong are also missing. Dominik Szoboszlai is set to return after suspension, but it remains to be seen if Joe Gomez is ready to go back into the starting XI.

"It's not the first time we've had three games in seven days," Slot said during his pre-match press conference. "It is part of being a top club.

"It depends what draw you have too and we play a strong Brighton side. They don't deserve the position they are in; they play so much better than the table shows and they deserve more than they get, so it is another challenge.

"It took me a long time before I could fall asleep because I was constantly thinking of the same options. Which players, which other players, which positions, so I need another 24 hours.

"Where is this as a priority? We have three clear priorities: the FA Cup, Champions League qualification, and the Champions League.

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot.(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)

"We are also aware of the limited options so the load management is important. The last thing we need is another injury, so that is always the tough thing for a manager, to make the best decision every single time.

"It is also true that it wouldn't be the first time a player gets injured if they have to play three games in seven days. It also happened many times that players could play three games in seven days, so that is the challenge we are having.

"The most important thing is that we train today, we listen to the players, see how they feel, and make the best possible decision."

Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni could be options to play a part in the game, but with Liverpool out of the League Cup and far away from the Premier League title race, a strong FA Cup run could do a lot to change the mood music.

Getting to Wembley would be a major boost for the Reds and so Slot might be reluctant to take too many risks, especially coming up against a good, albeit struggling for form, Brighton side.

"I am always looking at the younger players," Slot continued. "A few of them come closer and closer to first-team football.

"A few already had it, like Rio and Trey, and games like this could be an option as well, but it is about finding the right balance. We play a very strong team with Brighton and getting the right balance with who to play is something to think about.

"Of course it gives us more questions [that it is Brighton]. If we had a different opponent, then I maybe make other choices."