Arne Slot could be about to signal that £17m Liverpool player’s career at Anfield is virtually over

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Liverpool look set to field a heavily rotated team when they play West Ham on Wednesday.

The Reds are in the middle of another run of three games in nine days and may need to dig deep into their squad against the Hammers.

Arne Slot has so far signalled that he is very reluctant to alter too much to any given starting XI, preferring to keep a modicum of continuity to his teams.

However, the Carabao Cup has always given managers the chance to experiment and Wednesday evening at Anfield should be no different for Slot.

As part of that, it would be a surprise if the Liverpool head coach did not change his midfield trio. So far, Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister have started all six of Liverpool’s matches.

With another game coming quickly at Wolves on Sunday, that cannot continue against West Ham. As a result, Slot has to bring some new players in. And it could be a statement evening for Tyler Morton.

Tyler Morton set for D-day

Morton had been expected to leave Liverpool before August’s transfer deadline.

The 21-year-old was reportedly in talks to join Bayer Leverkusen but a move never materialised. Part of the problem was said to be that Liverpool rated Morton at £17m.

Whatever the reason, the Liverpool academy graduate stayed at his boyhood club. After six games, though, Morton has been in the Reds matchday squad only once.

That appearance came during last week’s visit to San Siro in the Champions League. But while Morton announced himself with a top showing in Milan back in 2021, there was no such reprieve this time.

READ MORE: Liverpool’s predicted XI in the Carabao Cup against West Ham as Arne Slot makes nine changes

Instead, Morton stayed rooted to the bench before turning out for the U21s on Saturday while the senior side faced Bournemouth.

All of that has signalled that Morton is not a big part of Slot’s plans this season. But it could change on Wednesday, with three changes needed in the midfield.

Wataru Endo and Curtis Jones are very likely to start, but with Harvey Elliott out injured, Morton is next in line.

Despite that, Slot has hinted that Trey Nyoni could be involved and if the 17-year-old starts ahead of him, that could be the death knell for Morton’s hopes of a career at Liverpool.

Tyler Morton should be given Liverpool chance

Even if Nyoni does not start ahead of Morton, if someone else does, we think it sends out the same message from Slot.

The England U21 international deserves his chance at some stage and Wednesday’s game would be the perfect time to give him that.

Should Slot decide to hold off and give Morton no minutes at all, though, we think that sends about as clear a message as it’s possible to relay.

Liverpool could still need Morton this season if injuries happen. He isn’t far off being fourth or fifth choice in that sense.

But if Slot isn’t planning on using him as part of a rotational side on Wednesday, then it looks like that will be Tyler’s only way into the team. Go on, Arne, give him a run out!