Arne Slot Provides Updates on Squad, Touchline Ban, and Rotation Ahead of Carabao Cup Match

Liverpool manager Arne Slot addressed reporters ahead of the Carabao Cup quarter-final match against Southampton on Wednesday, scheduled for a 20:00 GMT kick-off. The following are the main points from his press conference: Kostas Tsimikas is set to participate in team training on Tuesday, after which a determination regarding his availability will be made. Meanwhile, fellow defenders Ibrahima Konate and Conor Bradley continue to be unavailable, as they have not yet rejoined group training sessions. Slot stated that he “does not expect Diogo Jota to start” in the match against Southampton, citing that the player “wasn’t completely fit” following the game against Fulham and subsequently missed Monday’s training session. Federico Chiesa is expected to have a chance to increase his playing time, but Slot noted that “the amount has a question mark over” due to his prolonged absence from injury. Caoimhin Kelleher is confirmed to start as goalkeeper, with Slot commenting: “We are really fortunate to have such a great second goalkeeper.” Regarding his touchline ban for the upcoming cup fixture, Slot remarked: “If you are suspended in Holland then you are not allowed to be in and around the dressing room. You cannot do the media as well. This is a lighter version of suspension. I have never been used to being suspended. This is the first time I am. I think I am still able to do the things I want to do.” Slot mentioned that he believed one of the three yellow cards he has accumulated was undeserved, but then humorously added: “The one against Chelsea was absolutely deserved and in that same game I could have got five, so I have to thank the referee that I only got one.” Addressing the upcoming opponents, Southampton, who will be led by interim manager Simon Rusk following Russell Martin’s dismissal on Sunday, Slot commented: “It is difficult to know what to expect. I saw them play at the weekend with four at the back and they changed to five in 15 minutes.” He observed that the Carabao Cup still features “great teams” and that “none of them will be an easy road to the final.” Regarding Wataru Endo, Slot stated: “That is the positive for me about the League Cup. We haven’t played many starters yet. Endo hasn’t played that much yet. Playing in the League Cup helps him get rhythm.” He also mentioned that he “is aware that they only have four defenders available” due to Andy Robertson’s suspension, concluding: “It will be either academy players getting playing time or players no-one expects.”