Tough team choices causing restless nights for Liverpool manager Slot

Liverpool manager Arne Slot is struggling to rest due to the demands of handling his packed squad's schedule.

The Premier League title holders have managed to list just four senior players on the bench for their past five games while dealing with four major long-term injuries.

Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai returns from his ban, but Slot might lose Wataru Endo for the remainder of the campaign after the player picked up a severe ankle issue during Wednesdays league success against Sunderland.

Saturdays FA Cup fourth round clash at home against Premier League opponents Brighton marks Liverpools third fixture in seven days.

"It presents yet another test," Slot commented during his pre match media briefing.

"I spent ages trying to fall asleep last night as I kept pondering my available choices for the starting eleven and the best course of action.

"Should I stick with the same lineup or rotate to give chances to others, and if so which players in what roles? I require an extra day to finalise my team selection."

Slot faces a specific issue in central defence where captain Virgil van Dijk has shouldered most of the load because of limited alternatives.

The Dutch skipper who has featured in every second of the Premier League and Champions League action has netted twice over his previous five outings including the sole strike in a 1-0 triumph over Sunderland.

"Crucial indeed since without him we would have zero backups left in that position," Slot noted regarding Van Dijks value to the side.

"He has remained available throughout and as I have mentioned previously it is a significant achievement for someone of his years as he is no longer the youngest and competes every few days.

"This highlights his efforts in recovery away from the field along with his psychological resilience that allows him not just to keep up but to deliver strong showings and guide the group both during matches and beyond through his leadership."