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The Reds return to Anfield on Wednesday night with Champions League progress firmly in their sights as they host Qarabag in a crucial league-phase encounter. Arne Slot’s side know exactly what is required. A win under the Anfield lights will secure automatic qualification to the last 16 and remove any lingering tension from the group stage.
The challenge, however, comes at a tricky moment. Injuries, absences, and squad management decisions mean Slot must once again lean on flexibility and trust in his midfield depth. Qarabag arrive in mixed domestic form but with belief and nothing to lose, which makes this fixture more complex than the league standings might suggest.
Below is everything you need to know ahead of Liverpool vs Qarabag, including team news, injury updates, tactical talking points, and what’s at stake for both sides.
Slot Forced Into Defensive Changes Again
Liverpool will be without Joe Gomez after the defender picked up an injury during last weekend’s 3-2 defeat to AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League. Gomez was forced off midway through the first half, and Arne Slot confirmed in his pre-match press conference that the England international will not be available for Wednesday night.
“I can confirm that he is not available for tomorrow evening,” Slot said.
Gomez joins Ibrahima Konate, who remains unavailable for personal reasons, and Giovanni Leoni, who is sidelined with a knee issue. That leaves Liverpool without a recognised senior centre-back partner for Virgil van Dijk. As a result, Slot has little choice but to deploy a midfielder in defence once again.
Wataru Endo Set for Another Centre-Back Role
Wataru Endo is the leading candidate to fill the gap at centre-half after stepping into the role against Bournemouth. The Japan captain replaced Gomez in the 34th minute and completed his first Liverpool appearance since early December.
Slot acknowledged that Endo’s recent return from injury complicates the decision, especially with another match just days away.
“He has been out with an injury for quite a long time,” Slot explained. “He had to play against Bournemouth for quite a long time and now tomorrow there’s a game coming up and then three days later another game coming up.”
Despite those concerns, Slot was clear that the lack of defensive options leaves him with limited alternatives.
“It is for sure at centre-back tomorrow there will not be a centre-back. I can only play a midfielder there because there are no other centre-backs available.”
Endo’s positional discipline and experience make him a reliable short-term solution, particularly against a Qarabag side expected to sit deep and attack selectively.
Boost for Liverpool as Chiesa Returns to Training
There was more positive news for Liverpool on the training ground. Federico Chiesa was involved in the squad’s session on the eve of the match after missing the Reds’ previous two games.
While no final decision has been confirmed, Chiesa’s return gives Slot another attacking option, either from the start or off the bench. His pace and directness could be valuable against a Qarabag defence likely to be under sustained pressure.
Hugo Ekitike is also pushing for a return to the starting line-up after beginning on the bench against Bournemouth. Slot revealed that managing the striker’s workload has been a key consideration.
“He was out with an injury for two weeks and then he had to play quite a lot of games,” Slot said. “With only one No.9 available for the upcoming months, it made sense to manage his load.”
With Liverpool needing control and efficiency in front of goal, Ekitike’s presence from the first whistle would be no surprise.
Suspensions and Long-Term Absentees
Liverpool will remain without Conor Bradley and Alexander Isak, both of whom are long-term absentees. Meanwhile, Curtis Jones must tread carefully, as a yellow card would rule him out of Liverpool’s next Champions League fixture.
Discipline will also be a concern for Qarabag. Kevin Medina and Matheus Silva are walking a similar tightrope and risk suspension if booked at Anfield.
What’s at Stake for Liverpool
Liverpool are already assured of at least a place in the knockout play-offs, but Wednesday night offers the chance to go one better. Victory would guarantee automatic qualification to the Champions League last 16, removing the need for an extra play-off round and easing fixture congestion later in the season.
For a squad dealing with injuries and rotation challenges, that added rest could prove vital. Slot is likely to balance urgency with control, knowing that patience at Anfield often pays dividends.
Qarabag’s Situation and Recent Form
Qarabag arrive at Anfield sitting 18th in the league-phase standings and still fighting for a place in the knockout round play-offs. Their Champions League campaign has been mixed, and domestic form has offered little momentum.
The Azerbaijani side made 11 changes for their most recent outing, a 2-0 home defeat to Kapaz on January 24. That rotation suggests Gurban Gurbanov had this Liverpool clash firmly in mind.
There was some encouragement, however, with attacking midfielder Kady Borges returning to the bench after recovering from the injury he sustained against Chelsea in November.
Despite the challenge ahead, Gurbanov insisted his team will approach the game with belief.
“The players in this team are very good players and we want to play very good,” he said. “Tomorrow they will show a very good game and play well. This is a very difficult game that we’re entering.”
Last Time Out: Results Snapshot
Liverpool
AFC Bournemouth 3-2 Liverpool (January 24)
Alisson, Frimpong, Gomez, Van Dijk, Kerkez, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Salah, Szoboszlai, Wirtz, Gakpo.
Qarabag
Qarabag 0-2 Kapaz (January 24)
Buntic, Addai, Akhundzade, Bayramov, Chriso, Dani Bolt, A. Huseynov, B. Huseynov, Kashchuk, Mmaee, Qurbanly.
Tactical Outlook: Control, Patience, and Anfield Pressure
Liverpool are expected to dominate possession, with Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch central to controlling the tempo. Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo will look to stretch Qarabag’s back line, while Dominik Szoboszlai’s movement between the lines could be key to unlocking a compact defence.
For Qarabag, the focus will likely be on organisation, quick transitions, and making the most of set pieces. Any early resistance could test Liverpool’s patience, but Anfield on a European night has a habit of tilting games decisively.
Final Thoughts
Liverpool vs Qarabag may not carry the glamour of a knockout clash, but the stakes are clear and significant. Automatic qualification, squad relief, and momentum all sit on the line for Arne Slot’s side.
With Anfield behind them and just enough quality returning at the right time, Liverpool will back themselves to take care of business. Qarabag, meanwhile, arrive with belief and ambition, knowing that a strong performance could keep their European hopes alive. Under the lights, with qualification within reach, Liverpool will be determined to make this another Champions League night to remember.
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YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
LiverpoolFCTimes.com