Arne Slot explains Wataru Endo selection decision as Liverpool set for triple fitness boost

Arne Slot gives instructions to Wataru Endo

Arne Slot has explained his decision to continue overlooking Wataru Endo from the Liverpool starting line-up despite the Japan international being the only traditional defensive midfielder in his squad.

Endo has been restricted to just 36 minutes of action across four substitute appearances in the Premier League this season with his only starts coming in the League Cup.

With Liverpool's porous midfield contributing to the concession of 10 goals in the last three games, there have been calls from supporters for Endo to feature more prominently having made just one brief top-flight outing since August.

But Slot believes the form of Ryan Gravenberchmeans there has been no urge yet to turn to the 32-year-old.

When quizzed about the lack of opportunities for Endo,

Slot said: "I prefer not to talk about individuals but since you ask, he is in the position Ryan is in. Ryan is not performing the worst from all of our players.

"That is Ryan’s best position and the same as Wata. When I used him as a right-back against Bournemouth I got criticised, I got told I got criticised.

"Ryan is one of the few who has been fit throughout the whole season. That is the answer."

Joe Gomez is another player who has barely featured this season, despite being able to offer cover at both centre-back and right-back - two positions where Liverpool have been hit by injury absences.

Slot chose not to risk Gomez from the bench over the last week after the defender had an injection in his knee, although the 28-year-old is a strong contender to start at the London Stadium this weekend.

But the Reds boss said:

Slot: "I think we have played a lot of different line-ups for reasons I prefer not to do because everyone was not available.

“We have used our whole squad constantly without Wata and Joe."

Florian Wirtz could be in the squad having missed the last two games with a muscle problem, while Alisson Becker is back following illness and Hugo Ekitike is expected to be available after being forced off against PSV Eindhoven in midweek with a back spasm

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