Arne Slot makes ruthless Andy Robertson decision for Liverpool's clash with Brentford

Arne Slot has dropped Andy Robertson from Liverpool's starting line-up for Saturday's trip to Brentford.

Scotland international Robertson turned in a below-par display in Tuesday night's 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest, and was replaced midway through the second half by Kostas Tsimikas, who immediately assisted a goal for Diogo Jota.

The Greek left-back comes into the Reds' side from the start for the trip to the Gtech Community Stadium in what is the only change to Slot's first XI from the Forest draw, with Jota not among the substitutes after he picked up a knock at the City Ground.

Liverpool XI to face Brentford: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Diaz. Subs: Kelleher, Endo, Nunez, Chiesa, Jones, Elliott, Robertson, Quansah, Bradley.

Jota and Luis Diaz had missed Liverpool's training session on Thursday, but the Colombian has recovered from illness and takes his place in centre of the Liverpool attack, with Darwin Nunez on the bench.

On Jota, Slot said: "There is no doubt about the fact Jota is an important player for us, but he wasn't on the training ground yesterday (Thursday) so that means we have to see today where he is. So, it is not sure he will be available for tomorrow. We have to wait and see today.

Image: AFP via Getty Images) AFP via Getty Images)

"He felt a little bit when he came in [at Forest], a little niggle during the half-hour he came in. He could finish the game, but afterwards he complained a bit about it and that's why he didn't train yesterday."

The Reds would pull seven points clear at the top of the table with a win ahead of Arsenal hosting Aston Villa on Saturday evening.

Brentford XI to face Liverpool: Flekken; Roerslev, Van den Berg, Collins, Lewis-Potter; Yarmolyuk, Norgaard, Janelt; Mbeumo, Wissa, Damsgaard. Subs: Valdimarsson, Mee, Kim, Henry, Jensen, Konak, Maghoma, Carvalho, Schade.

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