Liverpool boss Arne Slot has been previewing the semi-final trip to Tottenham in the Carabao Cup, but many of the questions were about other things — not least Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The No. 66 has been in the headlines lately amid interest from Real Madrid. And Slot also gave the latest update on injuries with Dominik Szoboszlai having sat out the 2-2 draw with Manchester United through illness.

On what he expects from Spurs: "What we expect is two teams with a clear identity. That's what most people expect to see. Both teams trying to force it on the other. Large parts of the game two weeks ago we could show our identity, but they showed how good of a team they are."

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Is this a chance to make changes to the team? "If you look at all the fixtures, there are so many things going into the line-up. There is always a decision made about the best line-up for that game. For Southampton, in my opinion the best line-up was the players who didn't start a lot. We'll see about tomorrow.

"We might play a few players that haven't played all the games and a few players that have played all the games. Today is the first time we train since United. Let's see."

On Trent Alexander-Arnold and the Man Utd game: "We were all disappointed by the way we played and the result. Not just Trent. He didn't play his best game but it's not the first time in his life. He's played so many games well for this club. Like for some others. We'll train today. They know if you play 50-60 games, once in a while, you don't have the best performance.

"Maybe we should highlight more that these players are able to play so many. I got many text messages from people saying 'what a game'. Both teams trying to win. That is part of our job."

On social media posts after Mohamed Salah's cryptic photo: "I talk to my players and they can share with me. That has not happened. What I do is show my players how we played against United.

"We created some good chances in the first half and the mentality we showed at 1-0 down is what everyone wanted to see. I don't concentrate on social media posts. If you do that as a Liverpool manager, you have no life!"

On injuries: "Almost all of them are fit. That is quite special at this point in the season. I will highlight they show up every three days."

On Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz: "I understand how much focus on Mo's performance but if you combine the goals of Lucho and Cody as a left winger, they come quite close. Mo's advantage is because of Federico [Chiesa being missing], he's playing from the first until the last minute. Part of the success is quality and part is the playing style."

On the January transfer window: "It would be a bit weird if I told you something different than we are happy with team. But we always look at the market. If there's a chance this club always brings something in. The Joe Gomez injury means we go from four center-backs to three. I'm very happy with the team and that is trust from the club."

On conceding more goals in recent matches: "When we conceded one or two chances early in the season, we were a bit lucky. I don't think we're conceding many more chances now. It's also about the teams you face. Away to Newcastle is difficult. Man Utd are a very good team, I know everyone looks at the league table, but that is so far off the quality they have.

"What I see also is that when we conceded second goal vs United we had more bodies in the box than them. We don't like to concede but it's the same work rate as at the beginning of the season."

Has Alexis Mac Allister benefited from having a break when he was suspended? "No, because he played outstanding before! He's so consistent. He's so involved in every game we play. So important defensively. For me every player benefits for long term having a period off. I was happy I could give this to him. Hopefully it'll give him more consistent performances in February and March."

Can Liverpool learn from tailing off last season? "It's very difficult for me to compare last season to this season. The only thing I know is we haven't stolen one point. We deserved everything. For me that is the best forecast you can have for rest of season. All the players are fit at the moment. If they play really well, nobody talks about contract situations."

Will Caoimhin Kelleher get another chance to start? "I have decided the whole line-up already! There are many things. You will find out tomorrow. Ask me after the game and I'm more than happy to answer!"