Arne Slot raises concerns over schedule after Liverpool battled two injuries early in kick-off – Liverpool FC

Liverpool left Crystal Palace with three points but also with injuries to two key players, allowing Arne Slot to express his concerns after a 62-hour turnaround.

Liverpool have changed their form heading into the 12.30pm kick-off. It used to be a curse, but since last season it hasn’t proven anywhere near a problem.

Giving a refreshing perspective on the lunch break before the trip to Crystal Palace, Slot said: “I don’t see the idea behind it being that it was so difficult to perform back then.”

But performing and avoiding injuries are two different things. Liverpool made it through at Selhurst Park but were hit by injuries to Alisson and Alexis Mac Allister.

Things are looking much more serious for the former, but that doesn’t change the Reds head coach’s concerns about taking the lead at 12.30pm on Saturday after just 62 hours of rest.

“Maybe the FA should look into this too. If you play on Wednesday evening, why is there an early kick-off in an away game?” Slot told BBC Sport after the 1-0 win.

Arne Slot has suggested the FA should review the football plan after two players were ruled out with injury early in Liverpool’s win against Crystal Palace.#PL #BBCFootball #CRYLIV pic.twitter.com/F61H9Nla7H

– Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) October 5, 2024

“Or they have to pay attention to me and change all my players, but maybe it’s just bad luck. I don’t know, but it’s not what we wanted.

“Mac Allister was a bit of a surprise for me because he came on at half-time and normally something happens in a game. But he came at halftime and said something didn’t feel right.

“We wouldn’t take any risks and with Alisson it’s clear that he might be out for a few weeks.”

Brazil have already confirmed that Liverpool’s number 1 will not be joining them at the break. Mac Allister, meanwhile, will travel to join the Argentina squad ahead of further evaluation.

What are the rules for Wednesday-Saturday?

If you’re wondering how Liverpool were picked by TNT Sports for the 12.30pm kick-off despite playing in the Champions League on Wednesday night, look no further.

The Premier League has stipulated that teams competing in the Champions League on a Wednesday night will never be selected for the 12.30pm Saturday slot and that teams will never be asked to play twice within 60 hours.

The caveat, however, is that the rule only applies if you have played away from home. When Liverpool hosted Bologna there was a free play – which is still confusing to say the least.

Surely it should be the case that if you play late on a Wednesday night you can’t be nominated for the lunchtime opener at the end. But maybe that makes too much sense!