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Liverpool’s difficult 2025-26 season has been heavily shaped by injuries, setbacks and constant squad disruption, with Arne Slot forced to navigate one of the toughest injury crises the club has faced in recent years. From long-term absences to major rehabilitation recoveries, the Reds have spent large parts of the campaign without several important first-team players. The situation has tested Liverpool’s squad depth, tactical flexibility and mental strength throughout the season.
Some stars are finally edging closer to a return, while others face lengthy spells on the sidelines that could extend well into next season. With the campaign approaching its dramatic conclusion, supporters are desperate for positive updates as Liverpool continue battling for a top-five finish and Champions League qualification.
Alisson Becker Nearing Long-Awaited Liverpool Return
One of the biggest injury concerns for Liverpool supporters has been the absence of Alisson Becker. The Brazilian goalkeeper has missed Liverpool’s last 10 matches due to injury, leaving Giorgi Mamardashvili to step in during a difficult period for the team. Although Mamardashvili has delivered several impressive performances, Liverpool have clearly missed Alisson’s leadership, calmness and world-class presence between the posts.
There is finally positive news, however. Arne Slot confirmed recently that Alisson has returned to training with the squad and is now being assessed ahead of a possible comeback. The Liverpool boss admitted the club are still deciding whether the goalkeeper is ready immediately or if he needs another week before returning fully. For Liverpool fans, simply seeing Alisson back involved with the squad is already a massive boost.
Alexander Isak Could Return for Brentford Clash
Another encouraging update involves striker Alexander Isak. The Liverpool No.9 missed the recent defeat against Aston Villa because of a minor injury, adding to what has already been an incredibly frustrating season for the Swedish forward. Isak’s campaign has been repeatedly interrupted by physical problems after he missed pre-season and later suffered a broken leg earlier in the year. Slot explained that Liverpool have tried to manage the striker carefully, especially after Hugo Ekitike’s long-term injury increased pressure on the attacking department.
The Liverpool manager admitted that small setbacks are understandable considering the physical demands of the Premier League and Isak’s lack of preparation before the season began. Still, there is growing optimism. Slot expects Isak to return to training during the week ahead of Liverpool’s final game against Brentford, although he stopped short of guaranteeing the striker’s availability. If Isak is fit enough to play, it would provide Liverpool with a huge attacking boost at exactly the right time.
Hugo Ekitike Faces Long Road to Recovery
While some players are nearing returns, Hugo Ekitike’s situation remains heartbreaking for both the player and the club. The French striker suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon during Liverpool’s Champions League defeat against Paris Saint-Germain on April 14, ruling him out for the rest of the club season and also ending his hopes of representing France at the World Cup. Achilles injuries are among the toughest recoveries in football, and Slot admitted immediately after the surgery that the rehabilitation process will take a long time.
The Liverpool manager confirmed the operation went successfully but stressed that there are still many difficult stages ahead before Ekitike can fully recover. For Liverpool supporters, the injury was especially painful because Ekitike had started showing signs of growing confidence and importance within the squad before the setback. His absence has placed even more pressure on Liverpool’s remaining attacking options.
Stefan Bajcetic’s Frustrating Setbacks Continue
Stefan Bajcetic remains one of Liverpool’s unluckiest players this season. The young midfielder has not yet played during the 2025-26 campaign due to ongoing injury problems and repeated setbacks during recovery. Slot previously revealed that Bajcetic repeatedly comes close to returning before suffering small complications that delay his progress again.
The manager also stressed the importance of patience. After spending six to eight months away from first-team football, Liverpool know they cannot rush Bajcetic back too quickly. Slot admitted that expectations around the youngster must be managed carefully because rebuilding fitness and rhythm after such a long absence takes significant time. Liverpool still view Bajcetic as an important talent for the future, but right now the priority remains protecting his long-term development rather than rushing him into action.
Conor Bradley Still Working Through Recovery
Conor Bradley’s season was also derailed after he suffered a serious knee injury against Arsenal back in January. The Northern Irish defender later underwent surgery and has been working through rehabilitation ever since. According to Slot, Bradley is still progressing through important recovery stages but remains some distance away from returning fully to team training.
The Liverpool manager explained that predicting exact timelines becomes extremely difficult during rehabilitation because recovery depends heavily on how players respond physically at each stage. Bradley continues working hard indoors as Liverpool’s medical staff carefully monitor his progress. The club remain hopeful he can eventually return stronger, but there is currently no clear date for his comeback.
Wataru Endo Finally Making Progress
There is also cautious optimism surrounding Wataru Endo. The experienced midfielder suffered a foot injury during Liverpool’s victory against Sunderland in February and had to be stretchered off during the match. For several weeks, Endo remained completely unavailable, but Slot recently confirmed that the Japanese midfielder has finally returned to doing outdoor exercises with the rehabilitation team.
Although he is not yet training with the squad, it marks an important step in the recovery process. Slot previously admitted Endo would not return immediately for major fixtures against Manchester United or Chelsea, but Liverpool remain hopeful he could feature again before the season officially concludes. That would provide valuable midfield depth during a critical stage of the campaign.
Jeremie Frimpong’s Situation Remains Unclear
One of the more mysterious injury situations currently involves Jeremie Frimpong. The Dutch full-back was unexpectedly left out of Liverpool’s squad during the recent 4-2 defeat against Aston Villa because of an unspecified issue. So far, the club have not provided detailed information regarding the nature or seriousness of the problem.
Supporters are now waiting anxiously for further updates, especially considering Frimpong’s importance in Liverpool’s attacking system this season. His pace, creativity and energy have made him a dangerous weapon from wide areas, and Liverpool will hope the issue is only temporary.
Jayden Danns Continuing Patient Recovery
Young striker Jayden Danns is another Liverpool player battling back from injury. Danns has not featured since being forced off during the Under-21 clash against Manchester City in March. Slot recently praised the youngster’s attitude and work ethic throughout recovery, revealing that he has seen Danns working tirelessly around the training ground. The Liverpool manager admitted he is pleased to see the forward gradually returning with the Under-21 side, but also warned that several steps still remain before he is ready for Premier League football. At the moment, Liverpool are focusing on rebuilding Danns’ match fitness carefully and avoiding unnecessary pressure.
Giovanni Leoni Ruled Out Long-Term
Perhaps the most devastating injury of Liverpool’s season happened to Giovanni Leoni. The young defender suffered a torn ACL during his debut against Southampton in the Carabao Cup back in September 2025. The injury immediately ruled him out for approximately a year and ended any hopes of further involvement this season.
Slot admitted the situation has been extremely difficult emotionally for the teenager, especially after making such a promising start to life at Liverpool. Still, the manager tried to focus on the long-term picture, reminding supporters that Leoni is still very young and has many years ahead of him once he fully recovers. Liverpool continue supporting the defender closely during what remains a mentally and physically demanding rehabilitation journey.
No Liverpool Players Currently Suspended
One small piece of positive news for Liverpool is that the squad currently has no suspension concerns. Despite the physical intensity and frustration surrounding recent performances, no Liverpool player is suspended heading into the final stages of the season. That at least gives Arne Slot slightly more flexibility as he attempts to navigate Liverpool through a difficult ending to the campaign.
Liverpool’s Injury Problems Have Defined the Season
There is no question that injuries have played a major role in shaping Liverpool’s difficult season. At various stages, Slot has been forced to operate without key players across nearly every area of the pitch. Goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders and forwards have all suffered serious setbacks, disrupting consistency and forcing constant tactical adjustments.
While Liverpool’s performances have still deserved criticism at times, the injury list helps explain why stability has been so difficult to achieve. Now, as the season nears its conclusion, supporters will hope several returning players can help finish the campaign strongly and provide momentum heading into a crucial summer rebuild under Arne Slot.
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YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
LiverpoolFCTimes.com