Liverpool Dealt Fresh Injury Blow Ahead of FA Cup Clash with Plymouth as Star Man Has Nervous Wait for Everton

Liverpool have suffered a fresh injury setback ahead of their FA Cup encounter against Plymouth Argyle.

The Reds have an opportunity to secure a second visit to Wembley this season as they shift their attention to the FA Cup this weekend. Having triumphed over Tottenham Hotspur 4-1 on aggregate in the semi-final, Liverpool are set to face Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final in March.

On Sunday afternoon, they embark on a lengthy journey to Plymouth Argyle for their FA Cup fixture, with a place in the fifth round at stake. Last season, Liverpool exited the competition at the quarter-final stage, whereas in 2022, they claimed the trophy after defeating Chelsea in the final.

There is little time for recovery as Liverpool prepare to take on Everton at Goodison Park in the rescheduled Merseyside derby on Wednesday night. A win in that fixture would see them extend their lead over Arsenal to nine points, with 14 matches left to play.

Arne Slot Reveals Fresh Injury Blow Ahead of FA Cup Clash

Midfielder Tyler Morton, who was likely to be in contention for Liverpool’s FA Cup match against Plymouth on Sunday afternoon, has sustained a shoulder injury.

According to Slot, he is expected to be sidelined for “weeks or even longer.” Morton played in Liverpool’s 4-0 victory over Accrington Stanley in the third round and last featured in the 3-2 defeat to PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League at the end of January.

The 22-year-old would have been a potential option for Slot to rotate his midfield, especially with the upcoming trip to Everton in mind. However, his injury means he will no longer be available. Addressing the possibility of squad rotation, Slot commented:

“I think it’s always a tricky tie no matter what team you play because it’s an away game, it’s their final probably – as is many times when Liverpool comes anywhere. But it is true that if you play with a team that hasn’t played so much together that that is always for the players a bit more difficult.

But I think we’ve seen already a few times when we played with a team that hasn’t played already together – even in Eindhoven in the Champions League – these players were able to play a very good game.

“So, I think it’s important in these moments for some players that don’t get [much] playing time to have their playing time, so whenever we need them they are ready.

“If you never play them then it’s so difficult for them to be ready if we do get some injuries or suspensions. Yeah, we will definitely use a few players that haven’t played that much. But we will make that final call tomorrow.”

Trent Alexander-Arnold Injury Update

Trent Alexander-Arnold, the right-back, had to leave the pitch during Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Bournemouth due to a hamstring injury and was absent for Thursday night’s 4-0 win against Spurs.

Slot has confirmed that he will not be available for the match against Plymouth and was unable to clarify whether he would recover in time to face Everton in midweek.

“No, I don’t think so yet. That’s going to be too early for him,” Slot said in an update on the player’s fitness.

“Difficult to say [about the derby]. Like I said before, it’s not going to take months and not even weeks but that’s only three days after the Plymouth Argyle game, so let’s wait and see if he is available.

“We also have to look at the long term, of course we don’t want to take any risks with so many games afterwards coming up. But if he’s fit then of course we will use him.”

In other news, Ange Postecoglou Responds to Jamie Redknapp Comments After Anfield “Reality Check” Against Liverpool