Arne Slot has confirmed that Curtis Jones will take over as right-back when Liverpool take on PSV Eindhoven, with Dominik Szoboszlai moving to midfield instead.
Szoboszlai filled the role of right-back in Saturday’s 3-0 loss to Nottingham Forest, but Jones has been rotated into the position for the Champions League.
That comes with Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong both still sidelined, with Slot explaining his decision in a pre-match interview with TNT Sports.
What Arne Slot said on Curtis Jones at right-back
“I can understand that there’s some doubt, because I told them both that they can play that position,” Slot told Steven Gerrard and Steve McManaman, who had debated whether Szoboszlai or Jones would be given the duty.
“As Joe Gomez of course can, but he’s been struggling a bit lately with a knee injury.
“He’s available, but Curtis will start tonight as a right-back.”
The head coach continued: “Dominik played there against Forest, did OK to good, wasn’t the reason why we lost that game.
“But the thing with him is you like him in midfield, you like him at full-back.
“By the way, Curtis the same: I like him in midfield and he can play as a full-back.”
Why Alexander Isak dropped to the bench vs. PSV
Slot made only two changes to his lineup from the weekend, with Alisson ill and therefore replaced by Giorgi Mamardashvili while Hugo Ekitike took over from Alexander Isak up front.
Asked whether Isak had dropped out due to fitness or performance, the Dutchman explained that it was the former.
“Alex, I think in the last four weeks he played 30 minutes [for Sweden], and then he played with us 70 minutes,” Slot said.
“[Forest was] a game that wasn’t so intense I would say, because we dominated ball possession so much, but I think I could see it wasn’t easy for him to manage himself through those 70 minutes.
“So then if you have another No. 9 who is also very good, then it makes sense to play the other one – and that’s Hugo tonight.”
How to Watch Liverpool vs. PSV in the UK
Liverpool vs. PSV is is being shown live on TNT Sports 2 in the UK, which is available to live stream here.
Live audio commentary of Liverpool vs. PSV and a full match replay and highlights will also be available on All Red Video here.
This Is Anfield will also be providing live text commentary throughout on our website and full match reaction and analysis on the This Is Anfield app for iPhone and Android later.
Download free here.
