Liverpool host Brighton at Anfield in the FA Cup on Saturday night, with both sides expected to rotate as they juggle league priorities and cup ambitions. Speaking to the media on Friday morning, Arne Slot made it clear that managing the squad will be key as Liverpool prepare for this fourth-round clash.
Brighton arrive on Merseyside after a 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa in midweek, but Fabian Hurzeler has received a welcome boost with Mats Wieffer fit again after being sidelined since December.
“Mats Wieffer will be back so that’s a positive one,” Hurzeler said. “He’s a big player who has a big impact on our game. He has a big personality as well, so we definitely missed him. We are all happy he’s back now.”
Jan Paul van Hecke is also expected to be available despite being taken off against Villa. Hurzeler added: “Jan Paul should be OK to start again. Yasin Ayari is still missing. He is doing rehab, but he’s getting closer.”
Solly March, Stefanos Tzimas and Adam Webster remain long-term absentees, which could affect how strongly Brighton approach their selection. And with their league position not fully reflecting their performances, this is not a match that suits heavy experimentation for either team.For Liverpool, the biggest talking point remains Wataru Endo’s injury. Slot confirmed at the AXA Training Centre: “A foot injury. We still need to do some assessments but it’s clear and obvious that he will be out for quite a long time.”That leaves Liverpool without their No.3 after his committed display at right-back in the 1-0 win over Sunderland. Jeremie Frimpong has missed the last three matches, while Conor Bradley, Alexander Isak and Giovanni Leoni remain unavailable. However, Liverpool have released new images of Isak continuing his recovery, offering some hope for his longer-term return.Slot admitted the schedule has created a real selection headache. “It’s finding the right
balance… do you play the same players again or the others? Is this a moment for the others? But which others and in which position?” he said.He also stressed the importance of avoiding further setbacks: “The load management is important as well because the last thing we could use right now is another injury.”With Liverpool still fighting on multiple fronts and league form improving after Wednesday’s win, the expectation is for controlled rotation rather than major changes. Brighton’s competitiveness and Slot’s cautious approach suggest this will be a carefully planned lineup, setting up what should be a tight and intriguing FA Cup tie at Anfield.
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