Arne Slot admits Liverpool will “always look at the market” after Joe Gomez was injured.
The Reds boss has continued to combine his resources with individuals who have been sidelined throughout the season. He has just welcomed Ibrahima Konate and Conor Bradley back into the fold, with the former returning in time due to Gomez's absence.
It leaves Slot with Virgil van Dijk, the team's captain, as his centre-back and he can partner him with Konate or Jarell Quansah. Another injury could leave Liverpool with limited options, especially as they continue to play in four different competitions.
They will play eight times in January alone, but this month offers the club's only summer signing the chance to bring in new faces and Slot remains open to the possibility of reinforcements coming in to fill gaps.
He said: “It would be a bit strange if I told you anything other than that we are happy with the team. But we always look at the market. If there is an opportunity, this club always brings something in. Due to the injury of Joe Gomez we go from four to four.” I am very happy with the team and that is the confidence of the club.”
Slot's decision to stay with the squad he inherited has proven to be an inspired one, with the Dutch boss taking Liverpool to the top of the Premier League. He has been able to get the most out of a large number of players, including Ryan Gravenberch, who was signed 18 months ago.
The immediate priority at Anfield is to maintain their leading position, with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mo Salah and Van Dijk all seeing their contracts enter the final months. Van Dijk has made little noise about his departure, but the other two are concerned.
Salah has been vocal about the lack of progress in contract talks and has consistently said this is his last year at Liverpool. Alexander-Arnold has now been the subject of interest from Real Madrid, who have seen a bid rejected, but Slot insists the player has not turned his head.
He said: “I see him working on the training ground every day. He is completely committed to us and he will play on Sunday. If it would destabilize players at Liverpool to have other people talking about them then we would do that.” “I really have a problem because when you play for one of the biggest clubs in the world, everyone is always talking about you – for 12 months – sometimes in relation to other clubs.”
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