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The Reds have a lot to think about ahead of the upcoming fixtures. Between injuries, suspensions, and international duties, Arne Slot faces some tough decisions for his squad. From key midfielders sidelined to Mohamed Salah away at the Africa Cup of Nations, the Reds are navigating a challenging period. Let’s break down the latest on Liverpool’s availability and what it could mean for the team.
Injuries: Key Players on the Sidelines
Liverpool’s injury list continues to affect squad depth across defence, midfield, and attack. Here’s the latest on the players currently unavailable.
Wataru Endo
The Japanese midfielder has been out since the 3-3 draw at Leeds United on December 6. Endo suffered an ankle injury that has kept him sidelined, and while Liverpool have not provided a fixed return date, it appears he will miss at least several more weeks. His absence has reduced depth in the defensive midfield role, meaning other players will need to shoulder more responsibility in controlling the tempo of games.
Joe Gomez
Joe Gomez picked up a muscle injury during the first half of the win against Brighton on December 13. The Liverpool defender has yet to return to training and remains a doubt for the next few matches. Gomez’s injury adds to the defensive challenges for Slot, especially with other centre-backs facing suspensions or fitness questions.
Alexander Isak
The biggest blow in attack is Alexander Isak. The striker underwent surgery on an ankle injury, which included a fibula fracture, sustained while scoring against Tottenham Hotspur on December 20. Slot confirmed that Isak will be out for a couple of months, calling it a “big, big, big disappointment” for both the player and the team. Slot did provide some reassurance, however, stating he is confident Isak will return to play during the 2025-26 season. Losing a player of his quality at a critical point in the season will certainly impact Liverpool’s attacking options.
Giovanni Leoni
Giovanni Leoni’s injury is one that has already ruled him out for an extended period. The defender suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury at the end of his debut against Southampton in the Carabao Cup. Slot noted that the young centre-back faces a year-long recovery, which is a major setback for a player who was showing promise. While it is a tough time for Leoni, Slot highlighted that his youth means he still has many years ahead to return stronger.
Availability: Players Returning from International Duty
Liverpool are also managing players who are currently away on international duty.
Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah, after coming off the bench against Brighton, is now with Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations. He has already made an impact, scoring in the group games against Zimbabwe and South Africa to help Egypt secure a place in the last 16.
Egypt’s next match is scheduled for January 5, meaning Salah will miss several crucial Liverpool fixtures leading up to the New Year. His absence not only affects goal-scoring options but also the overall attacking threat Liverpool can pose. Slot and the coaching staff will need to adapt their plans without their talismanic forward.
Suspensions: Players Facing Bans
Liverpool also have a few players at risk of suspension or already serving bans, which could influence squad selection.
Dominik Szoboszlai
The Hungarian midfielder has already served a one-match suspension for the Premier League clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers on December 27. He picked up the ban after receiving his fifth yellow card of the season in the win against Tottenham. Szoboszlai’s absence in that match meant Liverpool had to adjust their midfield, relying more on Gravenberch, Jones, and Mac Allister to maintain control. Slot will want to manage his card accumulation carefully moving forward, especially with a congested fixture schedule.
Ibrahima Konate
Liverpool’s No.5, Ibrahima Konate, is one yellow card away from a suspension. A booking against Leeds United on New Year’s Day would see him miss a Premier League fixture. With Gomez already injured and other defenders out, the potential loss of Konate adds more pressure to Liverpool’s defensive planning.
Conor Bradley
Conor Bradley is also at risk, but in the Champions League rather than the Premier League. He is one yellow card away from a one-match suspension in Europe. For Liverpool, managing player discipline across competitions is crucial to ensure squad availability for key matches.
Impact on Squad Depth and Selection
The combination of injuries, suspensions, and Salah’s absence means Slot has several decisions to make. Defensive depth is under pressure, with Gomez, Leoni, and possibly Konate unavailable. Midfield rotation will be necessary, with Szoboszlai and Endo out, and the Reds must find ways to maintain creativity and control. Up front, the absence of Isak and Salah leaves Liverpool relying on alternative options such as Ekitike, Wirtz, and other forwards who can step in. Slot may need to adjust tactics, perhaps playing a more fluid front three or leaning on younger players to cover the gap.
Players Who Could Step Up
Despite the challenges, Liverpool have several players who could seize the opportunity:
- Florian Wirtz has shown he can link midfield and attack effectively. His creativity will be crucial in filling the void left by Salah.
- Hugo Ekitike and other forwards will need to step up in Isak’s absence, offering goals and movement to unsettle opponents.
- Konate’s backup defenders will need to perform consistently, and this is a chance for younger or fringe players to prove themselves.
These moments can define the season for squad players, and Slot will be keen to maintain momentum despite the setbacks.
Looking Ahead: Key Matches and Priorities
Liverpool’s priority remains consistency in the league while navigating injuries and international absences. Matches in the Champions League and domestic cup competitions will also test squad depth, especially with Bradley and Konate potentially facing suspensions. Slot’s challenge is clear: rotate intelligently, manage player fitness, and keep Liverpool competitive on all fronts. With crucial games coming in January, how the Reds navigate this period could set the tone for the remainder of the season.
Conclusion
Liverpool are in a challenging phase with injuries to Endo, Gomez, Isak, and Leoni, suspensions looming for Konate and Bradley, and Salah away with Egypt. Yet, these challenges also offer opportunities for other players to step into the spotlight. Arne Slot’s decisions in the coming weeks will be crucial. How he manages squad rotation, covers absences, and adapts tactics could define Liverpool’s momentum as they push through the busy winter schedule.
Fans can expect tough matches, key players stepping up, and plenty of drama on and off the pitch. Liverpool remain favourites in many of their fixtures, but with so much uncertainty in the squad, every game will feel like a test of depth, resilience, and adaptability. This is a period that could make or break the season, and the Reds’ ability to navigate it will be fascinating to watch.
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YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
LiverpoolFCTimes.com