Liverpool travel to Craven Cottage for their first away fixture of 2026 with plenty of questions still hanging over the squad’s fitness and selection. While the Reds remain competitive in the Premier League race, manager Arne Slot has pulled back the curtain on his thinking, revealing why he made a controversial decision during their recent 0–0 draw with Leeds.
At his pre-match press briefing, Slot confirmed that Joe Gomez has returned to training after missing three matches with a muscle issue — a boost for the defensive unit — while Wataru Endo continues to sit out with an ankle problem.
⚠️ One of the biggest talking points from the Leeds game was Slot’s substitution of Florian Wirtz, and the boss offered a straightforward explanation: Wirtz’s hamstring still wasn’t right enough to handle the demands of back-to-back games, and with key fixtures approaching, Slot didn’t want to take a risk.
🚨 With Mohamed Salah away at the Africa Cup of Nations and long-term absentees like Alexander Isak and Giovanni Leoni still missing, Liverpool’s depth is being tested — making every rotation call even more weighty.
Slot also stressed that the draw at Leeds, despite missing certain stars, showcased the squad’s resilience and the value of keeping players available for the grueling schedule ahead. The focus now shifts to whether Liverpool can maintain momentum with a slim squad and big ambitions still intact.
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