Arne Slot insists Liverpool are not distracted by Man City fixture amid Pep Guardiola admission

Liverpool boss Arne Slot remains fixed on the task at hand, refusing to let thoughts of their impending battles against European heavyweights Real Madrid and Premier League rivals Manchester City distract him from this Sunday's Southampton clash.

Despite a tantalising schedule that sees Madrid visit Anfield on Wednesday, followed by a home game against City, Slot is adamant about where his priorities lie ahead of the trip to face the league's bottom side Southampton, who have mustered a mere four points after 11 matches.

"We indeed have incredible fixtures coming up, starting with Southampton," Slot emphasised. "That is always by far the most important game. If we want to enjoy the other games the best thing you can do is always go in with a win."

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As for squad rotation, Slot insists the only factors influencing his team selection are the specific challenges posed by Southampton, the return of players from South American duties, and the existing injury concerns within his squad.

While key players Alisson Becker, Diogo Jota, and Trent Alexander-Arnold sit out injured, there's positive news as Virgil van Dijk and Harvey Elliott have resumed training. Van Dijk has been declared fit following an early departure from international service.

The availability of Alexander-Arnold is undetermined for Wednesday's high-stakes meeting with Madrid, and Slot has expressed little hope for the inclusion of either Alisson or Jota.

"The only thing I can say is that with Alisson and with Jota, I don't expect them to be available for that game," he disclosed.

"With Trent, it's going to