Liverpool has done an excellent job of navigating a difficult game schedule since the October international break.
Much had been made of the Reds’ challenging schedule in October and November.
Liverpool, on the other hand, is demonstrating their credentials as title contenders after defeating Chelsea and RB Leipzig, as well as drawing Arsenal.
In addition to competing in the Premier League, the Reds are anticipated to successfully defend their Carabao Cup title from last season.
Liverpool, who have previously beaten West Ham at Anfield, will face Brighton in the fourth round on Wednesday.
With another league test against the Seagulls coming up on Saturday, Arne Slot is anticipated to rotate his Liverpool players frequently. The Dutchman’s chances appear to be bolstered by the return of two injured players.
Federico Chiesa and Conor Bradley could return.
Although the story surrounding Sunday’s game was that Arsenal was the more depleted team, Liverpool also had a few injuries.
The Reds were without Federico Chiesa, Conor Bradley, Harvey Elliott, Diogo Jota, and Alisson Becker for their trip to the Emirates Stadium.
Although the last three appear to be out for some time, journalist David Lynch believes Chiesa and Bradley could be in contention for the Brighton match.
Lynch told Anfield Agenda ahead of the game that his ‘perception’ was that both players were ‘in with a shout’ of playing.
“The impression I got from Slot the last time we saw him is that Chiesa and Bradley are in with a shout of being back in the squad for the Brighton game in midweek, which would be a boost,” the reporter told me.
“Beyond that, I’m kind of struggling to see Jota being back for this one,” Lynch told ESPN. “We’ll see if he’s ready for the weekend. Because it’s bruising rather than a break, I’m optimistic that it won’t be too long, but we’ll see.
“Chiesa and Bradley should be two you would hope would be back in the squad for this one.”
Liverpool stripped to the bare bones
Virgil van Dijk criticized Arsenal’s alleged injury ‘problem’ following Sunday’s draw at the Emirates.
While the media appears to be focused on the players the Gunners do not currently have available, Liverpool has some concerns of their own.
With so many games coming up in the next few weeks, Slot does not have many alternatives for rotation.
Chiesa and Bradley’s return would be a huge step in the right direction, but after missing a few weeks, neither is likely to start.
As a result, Slot will have to think of something new. Trent Alexander-Arnold cannot start again at right-back, and the front line is already stretched without Jota. Liverpool’s head coach is down to the bare bones for this one, therefore we may see a stronger team than many expect.
