Big blow for Arne Slot as important Liverpool star not in travelling squad for Marseille

Last Updated on 20 January 2026

After one win in their last five games in all competitions, pressure is continuously mounting on Arne Slot. The Dutchman is winless in FOUR Premier League games in a row with their only win of the calendar year coming in the FA Cup against Barnsley.

Unfortunately for Slot and Liverpool, the silver lining is not too bright ahead of a Champions League night. As the Reds gear up for a blockbuster against Marseille at the Velodrome, they are missing key players.

It’s a must-win for Slot. This will be Liverpool’s penultimate game of the Champions League group stage and for automatic qualification to the knock-outs, a win is the need of the hour. However, Slot might need to do it without another big name.

Ibrahima Konate NOT in travelling squad for Marseille

According to reports, Ibrahima Konate has not been included in the travelling party for the Marseille fixture.

Konate is in France already but for family reasons. It remains to be seen whether the 26-year-old links up with the squad for the game on Wednesday night. This is bad news for Slot.

In recent weeks, Liverpool’s results might not have been great but their defence had been slowly finding its mojo. The Reds have not conceded more than 2 goals in any match since early December.

Now, a big game at a tough stadium, without Konate is nothing short of a major challenge. It’s also a position of poor depth for the Reds as Giovanni Leoni has been ruled out for the entire campaign. Meanwhile, Liverpool’s long-term target Marc Guehi joined Manchester City.

Joe Gomez has returned to full fitness but Slot would prefer Konate to partner Virgil van Dijk on a night like this.

Mohamed Salah returns to squad but will he start?

Selection concerns for Slot have defined the 2025/26 campaign for Liverpool. Just before Liverpool’s Egyptian King left for national duty, Salah had been at odds with Slot.

While the duo reconciled a bit, it remains to be seen if Salah is brought straight back into the line-up for Marseille. It’s interesting to note that even after the reconciliation, Salah was only brought on as a sub.

Fortunately, the 33-year-old is part of Liverpool’s squad so there is every chance he features in some capacity in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Given Liverpool’s offensive concerns, it’s a welcome boost for the Reds. The fans will hope their reliable Egyptian King can fire them to the Champions League knock-outs and rescue their season.