Liverpool have had a fantastic start to the new campaign with wins across all competition including a perfect start to their Premier League 2025/26 season.
The Reds have carried their form from last season as they have developed a habit of scoring late goals to win fixtures.
However, one of their biggest concerns this season has to be the injury to new signing Giovanni Leoni, who has suffered a ACL tear on his club debut against Southampton in the EFL Cup.
The Italian defender had a great outing but suffered a blow right at the end of the game and was immediately stretchered out of the field.
Slot has revealed that he will be back in action after almost a year as these injuries take a lot of injury to heal and also in rehabilitation.
So now, Liverpool only have three designated centre-backs available for selection in Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez with Wataru Endo also slotting in as a makeshift option.
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Ahead of Liverpool's away trip to Crystal Palace in the Premier League, Slot was asked if Leoni's injury could force the Reds to invest more money in the January transfer window.
"That all depends on whether we get more injuries, yes or no, and if there’s a chance in the market – all the answers I always give," Slot said ahead of the Crystal Palace game.
What did Slot say about having a smaller squad at Liverpool?
Slot has always prioritized balance and cohesion at Anfield and that is how he has made a quick impact at the club and guided Liverpool to the Premier League title last season.
The Dutchman prefers a squad not more than 21-22 players as he feels that it allows him to give opportunity to every player and keep the camp happy.
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He highlighted how a leaner squad is much easier to manage whilst maintaining clarity and motivation among his players.
"I would not prefer to go to 24 or 25 players… I believe that every player needs to have perspective of development or playing time. If I have to disappoint four or five players, I believe that is not the right energy that you want to have in the building."
This is an area where Liverpool are different from their Premier League rivals Arsenal, Chelsea and Man City, who have much bigger squads than the Reds.
"That is the way we do it and it is also why we can maybe spend a bit more on one player instead of bringing three in, and that is maybe the difference between the clubs."
Lastly, he pointed out how Liverpool tend to focus on versatile players who can play multiple positions with aplomb rather than bringing more quantity of players to play different positions.
"On the other hand, that means if you get one injury, you don’t have two replacements anymore… but that’s also why we try to bring in versatile players like Florian Wirtz… Dominik Szoboszlai can play every position, I think."
Overall, Slot and Liverpool camp are extremely calm even after Leoni's injury and a January signing at this point is looking unlikely but if a centre-back option like Marc Guehi or Dayot Upamecano becomes available then there could be a possibility of some transfer activity from the Reds.
Liverpool news and related links
- Where to watch Crystal Palace vs. Liverpool live stream, TV channel, start time, lineups for Premier League match
- Bayern Munich legend claims Florian Wirtz would be 'better off' at Bundesliga club than at Liverpool
- Liverpool plan Virgil Van Dijk succession with La Liga star as €50m target emerges