Arne Slot has confirmed that Liverpool midfielder Tyler Morton will be sidelined for up to a month after sustaining a shoulder injury. This setback follows a frustrating January transfer window for the 22-year-old, who was unable to secure a move away from Anfield despite significant interest.
After making just 5 appearances for Liverpool this season, Morton had been expected to leave in search of more first-team football. His successful loan spells at Blackburn and Hull had attracted attention, and Middlesbrough even made a bid of around £10 million. However, Liverpool’s asking price proved too high, and the deal ultimately fell through.
Slot had recently chosen James McConnell, 20, over Morton for last week’s Champions League clash against PSV Eindhoven, a sign of the competition for places in Liverpool’s midfield. When asked about Morton’s involvement in Sunday’s FA Cup clash against Plymouth, Slot confirmed that the young midfielder would be unavailable for a prolonged period.
“Morton is out with an injury for a while, so that means he was maybe our sixth midfielder and James is taking that position now,” Slot said. “It’s his shoulder. Four weeks or longer.”
This injury is a blow for Morton, who had expressed his desire to make a bigger impact in Liverpool’s first team. After his appearance against Accrington Stanley in the third round of the FA Cup, Morton revealed that this month was a crucial one for him.
“This month’s obviously a big month for myself,” he said. “It’s decision time, and I think I’m ready to kick on and be a proper professional. Definitely, I’m ready to kick on now and move up a step. If that’s here or somewhere else, I’ve got to be a bit selfish and go with however I feel.”
With Morton now out for at least a month, it remains to be seen when the midfielder will return to action. This injury has arrived at an unfortunate time, with Liverpool’s packed schedule in the coming weeks, but fans will hope to see the talented youngster back on the pitch soon.
