Perhaps the only blemish during Liverpool's 6-0 drubbing of Qarabag in the Champions League was the early injury to Jeremie Frimpong.
Their lightning quick right back has picked up yet another hamstring injury and is now set for a spell on the sidelines, alongside Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni and Joe Gomez.
With deadline day fast approaching for the January transfer window, it seems unlikely that Liverpool will be making any additions.
Whether this decision has a detrimental effect on the remainder of the season remains to be seen.
Liverpool must press on, with a visit from Newcastle in the Premier League up next. How could they lineup?
Goalkeeper
Alisson Becker
After a comfortable night at Anfield against the Azerbaijani outfit, the Brazilian shot stopper will be hoping for more of the same, but Liverpool and Newcastle’s recent scorecards make for grim reading.
Defence
Milos Kerkez
Having started on the bench on Wednesday, Kerkez should reclaim his spot on the left flank, but the Hungarian will undoubtedly want to make amends after a dismal performance against his old club, Bournemouth, last Saturday.
His deployment with Cody Gakpo ahead of him is not working, due to the players’ contrasting playing styles, meaning Slot faces a difficult decision for the Newcastle contest.
Virgil van Dijk
Liverpool’s skipper created history on Wednesday, becoming the first centre-back to record three assists in a Champions League game.
Van Dijk is another culprit of the fiasco that took place at the Vitality Stadium, but the Dutchman is aware that he needs to lead by example if the Reds are to achieve anything significant this season.
Ibrahima Konate
The centre back has missed the last three matches due to a family bereavement, but is expected to return to the fold this weekend.
It is a welcome boost for Liverpool, who were otherwise without a second senior centre back in the squad.
Curtis Jones
Slot has confirmed that he will be available for this weekend’s game, but it remains to be seen whether he opts for Jones or Dominik Szoboszlai in the right back position.
While Jones has performed as well as can be expected in this unfamiliar position, the Dutchman may opt for Szoboszlai’s pace against Newcastle’s speedy wingers.
Midfield
Alexis Mac Allister
It is widely accepted that Mac Allister has endured a rather torrid first half of the season, a shadow of the player who commanded Liverpool’s midfield to their 20th Premier League title.
But his brace against Qarabag will offer him some much-needed respite, and he has another opportunity to reaffirm the Kop’s faith in him if he can exploit Newcastle’s midfield in the absence of Bruno Guimaraes.
Ryan Gravenberch
Liverpool’s No. 38 showcased his versatility once more, putting in a superb performance at centre back on Wednesday.
His refined skill in ball recovery will be put to the test by Eddie Howe’s side, who boast the likes of Anthony Gordon, Yoanne Wissa and Anthony Elanga to trouble the Reds’ fragile defence.
Dominik Szoboszlai
Perhaps the only reliable player Liverpool have been able to call upon this season, the Hungarian’s relentlessness has been one of the very few positives this season.
His brilliant free kick against Bournemouth showcased once again that he is the player who can produce game-changing moments, and he will need to be at his best if Liverpool are to stand a chance against the Magpies.
Forwards
Florian Wirtz
The German playmaker’s rich vein of form has not gone unnoticed among the Kop, with Wirtz looking much more settled in this side, compared to a few months ago.
Following his brilliant strike against Qarabag, Liverpool fans would not be opposed to seeing him be more selfish in front of goal.
Hugo Ekitike
Fan favourite Ekitike also enjoyed a fruitful outing in the Champions League, and his link-up play with fellow partner in crime Wirtz has been a sight for sore eyes.
Liverpool’s last meeting against Newcastle was billed as a battle for Swedish striker Alexander Isak, but Ekitike’s performances have assured any doubters that there is currently only one striker who ought to be feared at Anfield.
Mohamed Salah
The Egyptian announced his return to Anfield with a stunning free kick, and the Reds will need their crown jewel fit and firing if they are to salvage something this season.