Liverpool injuries frustrating Slot in tough season

Arne Slot, manager of Liverpool, firmly believes that injuries are a key factor behind the teams shaky attempt to retain their Premier League crown.

The club endured their ninth defeat in the league this term, losing 2-1 away to Wolves who sit at the foot of the standings on Tuesday, and they head back to Molineux on Friday for the FA Cup fifth round clash.

Slot mentioned that without Florian Wirtz, who might return from the bench having sat out three fixtures due to a back problem, the squads advancement has been hindered.

British record acquisition Alexander Isak has remained out since the middle of December after sustaining a fractured leg.

"You can observe certain players improving steadily, yet our development has faced interruptions due to these injuries," Slot explained to journalists on Thursday.

"Florian Wirtz stands out as one who generates plenty from open play, but sadly he picked up an injury three matches back.

"Prior to that, he contributed significantly, providing the side with good equilibrium, and then we needed to adapt once more. Such occurrences have been frequent for us this campaign."

Over recent weeks, set piece effectiveness has drawn attention, as Arsenals skill in this area has propelled them seven points ahead at the summit.

Liverpool faced challenges in both defending and attacking from set pieces throughout much of the season, though they have shown improvement since January.

In their 5-2 victory against West Ham last weekend, they netted three goals from corners in the opening half.

"We are far from the sole outfit struggling to forge numerous opportunities from open play," Slot noted.

"This holds true for the Premier League, considering the quality of rivals that everyone encounters."

For the upcoming second match this week versus Wolves, Slot plans rotations, but he remains wary regarding Wirtzs potential involvement.

"Yesterday, he joined half the session with the group, marking progress in his recovery," Slot stated.

"We will assess his condition today and hope he might manage some minutes if all goes well."

The backline at Liverpool has taken a severe hit, with Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni both ruled out for the remainder of the season through injury, and Joe Gomez plus Jeremie Frimpong having missed extended periods too.

Nevertheless, Slot dismissed ideas that the club ought to have bolstered their squad numbers more, even after investing around £450 million ($601 million) on fresh talent in the summer window.

"From the outset here, I understood this approach and I am content with it," he remarked, while admitting that consequently, "it stings more when three or four players suffer prolonged absences".