Liverpool Injury Update Ahead of FA Cup Third Round
Liverpool head into their FA Cup Third Round meeting with Barnsley with fitness very much the talking point, as Arne Slot offered a measured and revealing update in his pre match press conference. With rotation expected and several senior players at different stages of recovery, the Liverpool injury update provides insight into how Slot is managing both short term availability and long term player welfare.
The Premier League holders have balanced a relentless domestic schedule with European commitments this season, and Slot has been keen to stress patience rather than risk, even with silverware on the line.
Hugo Ekitike
Slot confirmed that Hugo Ekitike remains a doubt for Monday night, though there is cautious optimism around his involvement.
“Hugo, that is not 100 per cent sure but we will do everything to have him available on Monday.”
Wataru Endo
That uncertainty shapes much of Liverpool’s selection planning, particularly with attacking options already stretched. Slot also clarified the situation surrounding Wataru Endo, who has endured a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
“I think if I am correct he might start to train one of these days, but he has been out for two months now, that’s of course different to being out for one week. Alex [Isak] is not going to be back yet and Mo [Salah] played on Saturday.”
Jayden Danns
One of the more sobering updates concerned Jayden Danns, with Slot confirming that the young forward will not be involved and highlighting the club’s cautious approach to youth development.
“No. Not fit enough, no. Not even training, if I’m correct. One of the players that got a stress fracture because he was young and from what we’ve been told was a bit over-trained. That’s why we are so careful with Rio Ngumoha, that he’s two days a week off the pitch if that’s possible, to not have that same situation with him. But Jayden is definitely not available in the short term.”
It was a rare glimpse into the physical demands placed on emerging talents, and a reminder that Liverpool’s injury update is as much about prevention as recovery.
Selection Headache
With absentees limiting flexibility, attention has turned to Federico Chiesa and whether the FA Cup presents an opportunity for the Italian to feature.
“I spoke to him two days ago and he said to me that he played more in the recent weeks than he ever did before under me. But he is one of the players that could feature in that game, definitely. But, like I said, Hugo might be back so let’s see how we will start that game. He is one of the options that I have, so let’s see.”
That sense of open competition reflects Slot’s broader approach since arriving at Liverpool, rewarding fitness and form rather than reputation. As Barnsley await at Anfield, Liverpool’s injury update suggests rotation will be shaped by necessity as much as strategy, with Slot carefully managing his squad to sustain momentum across all competitions.
