How Arne Slot first ever Liverpool line-up could look with Mohamed Salah given new role

Liverpool to Start Pre-Season Without Key Players Due to European Championships and Copa America

New Head Coach Arne Slot Faces Challenge with Depleted Squad

Liverpool will be missing several senior stars when they report for pre-season training in early July. Up to 12 players could be competing in the European Championships in Germany, with Alisson Becker, Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, and Alexis Mac Allister set to take part in the Copa America, potentially raising the total number of absentees to 16.

New head coach Arne Slot’s first match in charge will feature a significantly altered lineup compared to what fans can expect for the Premier League season starting on August 17. Liverpool’s pre-season tour includes fixtures against Real Betis, Arsenal, and Manchester United in the United States between July 27 and August 4. The rest of their pre-season schedule remains unannounced, but the team is expected to have two weeks of training before heading to America.

Liverpool’s squad for pre-season will be without many of its regulars. The European Championships and Copa America finals are on July 14, meaning players reaching the semi-finals will miss the US tour. Slot will likely rely on players not involved in international tournaments and some returning from loan spells.

Projected Pre-Season XI Under Slot

With Alisson representing Brazil and Adrian out of contract, Caoimhin Kelleher, despite an uncertain future, is set to start in goal. Conor Bradley and Kostas Tsimikas are expected to fill the full-back positions, with Jarell Quansah likely starting at center-back if he misses out on England’s final Euro 2024 squad. His partner could be Nat Phillips, Sepp van den Berg, Rhys Williams, or youth prospects Luke Chambers and Amara Nallo.

In midfield, Harvey Elliott, who missed out on England selection, is set to play a key role. Wataru Endo could start at number six, pending his potential Olympic involvement, with Curtis Jones available if not selected for England’s final squad. Alternatives include Bobby Clark and Tyler Morton.

Mohamed Salah is likely to captain Slot’s first team, with Fabio Carvalho possibly starting on the left flank. With other forwards away, Jayden Danns might lead the attack, or Salah could play centrally, allowing Kaide Gordon or Ben Doak to feature on the right.

Slot’s first Liverpool starting XI could look like this: Kelleher; Bradley, Quansah, Phillips, Tsimikas; Elliott, Endo, Clark; Salah, Danns, Carvalho.

The pre-season will be crucial for Slot to assess his squad and integrate any new signings, with the transfer window opening on June 14. Liverpool fans will be keen to see how Slot manages his first challenge with a depleted roster and prepares the team for the upcoming Premier League campaign.