Liverpool v Barnsley: FA Cup Preview and Latest Team News

Liverpool return to Anfield with a familiar brief, progress in the Emirates FA Cup without fuss, protect key players where possible and maintain momentum in a congested winter schedule. Barnsley will come and look to provide a memorable cup upset in a game that is bigger than it looks on paper.

Arne Slot has been clear about intent. The strongest available squad will be selected, even if rotation appears on the bench rather than in the starting XI. That message reflects a manager who values rhythm and standards, especially at home, while recognising the physical realities of January.

Liverpool team news and selection picture

The headline for Liverpool concerns the fitness of Hugo Ekitike. The French forward has missed the last two games with a hamstring issue and delayed onset muscle soreness, and remains a late call.

“Hugo, that is not 100 per cent sure but we will do everything to have him available on Monday,” Arne Slot said.

There are firmer absences. Conor Bradley is ruled out after sustaining a significant knee injury at Arsenal, while Mohamed Salah remains on international duty following Egypt’s progress to the Africa Cup of Nations semi finals. Wataru Endo has been sidelined since early December with an ankle problem, and long term issues keep Alexander Isak, Giovanni Leoni and Jayden Danns unavailable.

Slot offered context on Endo and others.

“I think if I am correct he [Endo] 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 is not going to be back yet and Mo played on Saturday.”

On Danns, he added:

“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.”

Barnsley availability and talking points

Barnsley travel without suspended captain Luca Connell, a notable loss in midfield leadership. There is better news elsewhere, with hopes that Georgie Gent, Marc Roberts and Nathanael Ogbeta can be involved.

“Nathanael Ogbeta will definitely be back,” head coach Conor Hourihane said. “Robbo is going to be touch and go but we will give him every chance to be involved in such a good game.

“Georgie has not trained as many days but they could all potentially be back. It will be touch and go.”

New arrival Eoghan O’Connell is also in contention.

“He will definitely be involved. We have to get him up to speed as best we can.

“We know when he gets fit and in a decent place he will be a really valuable player for us heading into the second half of the season.”

Recent form and final thoughts

Liverpool drew 0-0 at Arsenal in midweek, with a lineup featuring Alisson, Konate, Van Dijk and Mac Allister, while Barnsley were held 1-1 by Wigan on New Year’s Day. The gulf in level is obvious, but cup ties hinge on focus and availability. Team News suggests Liverpool will field experience with measured support from the bench, which usually proves enough at Anfield.