Speaking to the press, Slot made it clear:
*“I can tell you now you won’t be seeing them on Tuesday. If that’s any help for Southampton, then they will know.”*
The players missing from the squad include:
* **Virgil van Dijk**
* **Ibrahima Konaté**
* **Mohamed Salah**
* **Ryan Gravenberch**
* **Dominik Szoboszlai**
**What This Means for Liverpool**
The absence of so many star names could force Slot into significant squad rotation, giving fringe players and youngsters an opportunity to shine. With the season still in its early stages, the manager may be prioritizing player fitness and long-term availability over short-term gains.
**Opportunity for Southampton**
For Southampton, the news could not have come at a better time. Facing Liverpool without several of their biggest stars gives them a rare opening to test Slot’s tactical depth and resilience.
Fans will now be watching closely to see which lineup the manager deploys and whether Liverpool can still maintain their momentum despite these setbacks.