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Liverpool’s start to the 2025-26 season has already been full of drama, strong performances, and late twists. But as the team prepares for another challenging run of fixtures, Arne Slot’s side has been hit with a few fitness worries that could test the squad’s depth in the coming weeks. Here’s the full breakdown of Liverpool’s current injury list, suspensions, and player availability as of October 5.
Alisson Becker: Brazil Trip Cancelled, Return Date Unclear
The biggest headline in Liverpool’s medical report centers around goalkeeper Alisson Becker, who picked up an injury during the second half of the Champions League defeat to Galatasaray in Istanbul earlier this week.
Head coach Arne Slot confirmed the setback in his press conference on October 3, explaining that Alisson will miss Saturday’s Premier League match and will also stay out of the Brazil national team squad for the upcoming international break.
Slot shared:
“Alisson is not a part of the squad tomorrow. And he’s not going to travel to Brazil as well for the national team. So, he will be out for Saturday.”
The coach added that while it’s hard to put an exact timeline on Alisson’s recovery, the goalkeeper is unlikely to be available immediately after the international break either.
“It depends on how fast the recovery goes. I would be surprised if he would be there in the first game after the international break. But from there on, sometimes things can go a bit faster or a bit slower.”
This means Liverpool will once again turn to their reliable backup, Giorgi Mamardashvili who has proven himself capable in big matches before. Still, Alisson’s absence will be felt. His calm leadership and world-class shot-stopping are crucial parts of Liverpool’s defensive setup. For now, fans will be hoping that the issue isn’t long-term and that the Brazilian can make a smooth recovery without setbacks.
Ibrahima Konate: Quad Discomfort Raises Concerns
Another concern for Arne Slot is Ibrahima Konate, who was forced off early in the second half of Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on October 4.
The French defender was seen limping slightly after what appeared to be a minor strain in his quadriceps. Slot revealed after the game that the decision to substitute Konate was made as a precaution.
“I don’t know if it is a big injury, but he limped a little bit and when I asked him he said he felt his quad a little bit. Then, for me, all alarm bells go off because in another sprint you never know if that is going to go good,” Slot said.
He went on to explain that the substitution was already being considered for tactical reasons, as the right center-back role required a bit more creativity in possession.
“It was also already a substitution I had in mind, maybe for a few minutes or a little bit later, because the right centre-back had a lot of ball possession and we needed to create from that position. We all know Ryan [Gravenberch] is quite good in that.”
While the injury doesn’t appear to be serious, the medical team will assess Konate carefully before making any decisions. The hope is that his early withdrawal prevented a more serious problem.
Given Konate’s history of muscle injuries since arriving at Anfield, the staff will likely handle him with caution. Liverpool can’t afford to lose another senior defender for an extended period, especially with a packed fixture schedule after the international break.
Giovanni Leoni: ACL Injury Ends Season
Perhaps the most heartbreaking update comes from Giovanni Leoni, the young defender who made his Liverpool debut in the Carabao Cup win over Southampton last month.
Leoni’s night, which started as a dream debut, turned into a nightmare when he suffered a serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury near the end of the match.
Arne Slot confirmed the devastating news shortly after, on September 26:
“He is not in a good place, of course, because he tore his ACL and it means he will be out for a year. Being so young and coming to a new country and playing so well in your first game… it’s very hard to take the positive side.”
Slot acknowledged that there’s no real silver lining in such a serious injury but pointed to the player’s youth as a reason to stay hopeful.
“There’s never a positive side but you always try to look at a positive side and that is that he is still so young, so he has so many years still to go after he recovers from a terrible injury like that.”
Leoni’s absence will be a blow both emotionally and practically. His performance on debut had impressed fans and coaches alike, showing composure and confidence beyond his years. Now, his focus will shift entirely to rehabilitation and recovery.
ACL injuries often require between 9 to 12 months of recovery time, and Liverpool’s medical staff will ensure he receives all the support he needs during the long road back to fitness.
Squad Depth and Rotation Going Forward
With Alisson and Konate sidelined and Leoni out long-term, Arne Slot may have to adjust his rotation strategy over the next few weeks.
In goal, Mamardashvili is expected to start the next few matches, while Adrian could feature on the bench. Mamardashvili has stepped up before most notably in cup final and will again have a chance to prove his value.
Defensively, Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez will likely take up central duties if Konate’s quad issue lingers.The team’s flexibility in the back line could be tested further if any additional knocks occur, especially with the Premier League, Champions League, and domestic cup games coming in quick succession.
Slot has spoken repeatedly about his desire to maintain balance between squad rotation and consistency, but injuries like these can disrupt that rhythm.
No Suspensions to Worry About
On the bright side, there are no suspensions currently affecting the Liverpool squad. That means Slot will have full availability from a disciplinary standpoint, which is welcome news given the team’s recent injury setbacks. With no players sidelined by cards, the focus can remain on fitness and recovery.
What It Means for the Upcoming Fixtures
Liverpool’s next few games will require tactical adjustments. The absence of Alisson will force the back line to communicate differently, while Konate’s possible short-term injury might push Gomez into key roles.
After the international break, the Reds face a packed schedule with matches in both domestic and European competitions. If Alisson doesn’t recover quickly, Mamardashvili consistency will be crucial.
Slot’s side has shown resilience before, and this will be another test of that spirit. Injuries are part of any long campaign, but the way a squad responds to them often defines their season.
Conclusion
Liverpool’s current injury list is a reminder of how quickly things can change in football. Just a week ago, the focus was on form and results. Now, it’s about recovery and rotation.
Alisson’s absence leaves a hole in goal, Konate’s situation requires close monitoring, and Leoni’s long-term injury is simply cruel luck for a promising young talent.
Still, there’s reason for optimism. The squad remains strong, morale is high, and several key players are in good shape heading into the next phase of the season. If the Reds can stay steady through this period, they’ll come out even stronger once their injured stars return.
Liverpool fans have seen their team overcome challenges before and under Arne Slot, the belief is that they’ll do it again.
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YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
LiverpoolFCTimes.com