April 27, 2025; Anfield, Liverpool, BRITAIN; Tottenham Hotspur player Dominic Solanke in action with Liverpool player Ryan Gravenberch in a Premier League match. Mandatory Credit: Phil Noble/Reuters via Imagn Images

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Liverpool Boss Arne Slot Confirms Five Key Players Will Be Rested for Carabao Cup Clash

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has confirmed that at least five first-team regulars will sit out Tuesday’s Carabao Cup third round tie against Southampton at Anfield. The Dutchman revealed his plans shortly after guiding the Reds to a 2-1 Premier League victory over Everton on Saturday.

The Merseyside derby win capped off a gruelling seven-day stretch in which Liverpool also beat Burnley 1-0 and edged Atletico Madrid 3-2 in the Champions League. Slot rotated heavily during that run, bringing Conor Bradley, Milos Kerkez, Hugo Ekitike and Alexis Mac Allister back into the XI against Everton. Meanwhile, Andy Robertson, Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak dropped to the bench.

Liverpool boss Arne Slot Rules out Mohamed Salah and Van Dijk

Ryan Gravenberch and Ekitike both found the net in the derby before Idrissa Gueye pulled one back for the visitors. It sealed Liverpool’s fifth straight league victory and sixth consecutive win across all competitions. But with another midweek fixture looming, Slot insisted he will rest those who have carried the heaviest load recently.

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“The ones who played three times 90 minutes – Virgil [Van Dijk], Ibou [Ibrahima Konaté], Mo [Mohamed Salah], Ryan [Gravenberch] and Dom [Dominik Szoboszlai] – you won’t be seeing them on Tuesday,” Slot told reporters. He also hinted that Alisson and Cody Gakpo are also unlikely to start against Southampton.

Arne Slot has confirmed that Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Mohamed Salah, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai will not be involved in Tuesday's League Cup game against Southampton.
— Anfield Edition | æ (@AnfieldEdition) September 20, 2025

The absence of so many starters opens the door for others to step up. Frimpong, Robertson, Joe Gomez, Curtis Jones and Federico Chiesa are all expected to feature, while teenagers Rio Ngumoha and Giovanni Leoni could be handed opportunities. New goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili may also make his debut.

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Alexander Isak is likely to lead the line again after being eased back into action. Florian Wirtz will be another candidate for minutes after being rested at the weekend. Despite facing Championship opposition, Slot is expected to name a competitive side as Liverpool look to extend their winning momentum across all competitions.

Arne Slot

Carabao Cup

Liverpool

Abhinav Goel

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I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.