Liverpool manager Arne Slot expressed deep concern after midfielder Wataru Endo suffered a foot injury that will sideline him for "a long time." The setback compounds an already thin squad, with Endo forced to play out of position at right-back due to existing injuries. Slot acknowledged the "last thing" Liverpool need is more absences ahead of this weekend's FA Cup clash against Brighton.

The Dutch manager discussed the challenges of load management, balancing player rest against fixture congestion. "The load management is important because the last thing we could use right now is another injury," Slot explained. Liverpool faces a difficult juggling act as they attempt to navigate a congested schedule without key personnel.

Slot also highlighted the fine margins Liverpool has endured this season, noting how opponents capitalize on small opportunities while his team struggles to score. "Margins have been so small for us this season," he said. Every single time the other team has a bit of a sniff in the game, all of a sudden they score. The Reds' limited options increase pressure on remaining fit players.