Arne Slot insisted his Liverpool team selection in the Carabao Cup defeat was about protecting key players, like Alexander Isak, from injury. Liverpool's bad run of form extended to a sixth defeat in seven games when Palace ran out 3-0 winners at Anfield on Wednesday.

After the match, the two defenders were seen deep in conversation, marking one of the first times they've had a chance to speak since their respective transfer sagas unfolded.

Slot expressed no regrets over making 10 changes to the team for the cup tie, despite the decision backfiring.