Arne Slot admits Liverpool defensive options 'stretched' ahead of Burnley match

The Northern Ireland right-back underwent surgery this week following the injury he suffered in last week's draw at Arsenal, leaving Slot with just six first-team defenders available.

Speaking ahead of Liverpool's Saturday Premier League clash with Burnley at Anfield, Slot confirmed there were no fresh injury concerns for the rest of the squad.

"Yes, we've got a few injuries. We've got Giovanni Leoni out for the season, we've got Conor Bradley out for the season and Alexander Isak out for multiple months. But for the rest I think everyone is available," Slot said.

Slot acknowledged the defensive challenge but stopped short of confirming whether the club will enter the transfer market. "I think everyone is aligned about the challenges we are facing. That's not to say that we are going to act, but we are aligned on what we are facing. There is no-one who has a different opinion on it. That's not to say that anything is going to happen."

With Bradley sidelined, younger options like Calvin Ramsay may be called upon. The Scottish full-back, who has yet to make his Premier League debut, featured in October's Carabao Cup defeat to Crystal Palace and has been an unused substitute in the last seven league matches.

Slot stressed Ramsay could have a role but is not the first choice. "It's great for Calvin where he is at the moment. A half year ago he came back to this club to the Under-21s. Everyone playing for the Under-21s is hoping for a chance [in the first team]. When someone is really unlucky with injuries like we are now, there is always a player that benefits from that. Calvin is one of them. He is with us, but I still think I have better options to play," Slot said.

Slot also confirmed Mohamed Salah is set to return next week following his participation at the Africa Cup of Nations. The forward will play in Egypt's third-place play-off against Nigeria in Morocco on Saturday before returning to Liverpool's AXA Training Centre. 

Slot added: "Next week. We are in talks with him, what is expected of him over there, what is expected over here, but first of all he needs to have a game on Saturday and next week he will be back with us. Mo has been so important for this club, for me, so I am happy he is back.

"Even if I had 15 attackers, I would have still been happy that he comes back. That's not our current situation, so happy to have him back after an important game he has to play."

On whether Salah could feature in Liverpool's Champions League trip to Marseille next week, Slot said: "That's something we are talking about together now."

Liverpool now face a busy period, balancing a stretched defence with the welcome return of their key forward as Slot looks to navigate injuries and important fixtures in both the Premier League and Europe. 

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