Liverpool prepare for FA Cup clash with slew of absentees

This fixture follows a challenging start to 2025, including a 2-2 Premier League draw against Manchester United and a League Cup semi-final first-leg defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.

Injuries and illness plagued Liverpool in December, although most players have returned to fitness.

However, four players remain unavailable. Tyler Morton is sidelined with an ankle injury sustained in December, and Joe Gomez is out for "a few weeks," according to Slot.

Jarell Quansah and Dominik Szoboszlai are recovering from recent illnesses, and their availability for Saturday hinges on updates from Slot's pre-match press conference.

Despite Liverpool's mixed form, with just two defeats under Slot's leadership, they have failed to win four of their last nine matches.

The team will need to find balance, with a Premier League match looming shortly after the FA Cup tie.

The manager faces a tough challenge in managing fitness and form. Morton's absence disrupts plans, as he was tipped to start against Accrington.

Meanwhile, Federico Chiesa, who recently recovered from illness, may play a key role in the squad rotation. 

READ MORE: Man Utd struggling to offload Alejandro Garnacho in January