Overview

• Arne Slot is on his worst run as Liverpool manager after losses to Crystal Palace, Galatasaray and Chelsea, with late winners deciding both league defeats.
• Slot said Ibrahima Konaté was withdrawn at Chelsea with a quad issue and will be assessed for France duty, Wataru Endo has left Japan’s squad with a muscle injury, and Andy Robertson was seen hobbling but remains with Scotland.
• Analysts highlight a misfiring press and isolated centre-backs, with several pundits arguing Liverpool have not replaced Alexander-Arnold’s unique creativity from right-back.
• High-profile recruits are still bedding in, with Florian Wirtz yet to register a goal or assist in nine appearances and ongoing uncertainty at full-back involving Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley.
• Wayne Rooney questioned Mohamed Salah’s defensive work after the Chelsea defeat, Tony Cascarino called Bradley “reckless,” and attention turns to Oct. 19 versus Manchester United after the break with key availabilities unresolved.