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Liverpool’s 2025-26 season has been shaped as much by injuries as by performances on the pitch. At a crucial stage of the campaign, with Champions League qualification still on the line, Arne Slot is managing a squad stretched by long-term absentees, short-term setbacks, and players working their way back to full fitness. This latest Liverpool injury update provides a complete picture of who is out, who is close to returning, and how these absences could influence the final weeks of the season.
Current Overview: A Squad Tested by Injuries
Liverpool are dealing with a mix of long-term injuries and short-term concerns across all areas of the squad. From key first-team players to promising youngsters, the injury list reflects a challenging season for squad depth and consistency. The good news for supporters is that several players are edging closer to a return, while others remain longer-term concerns that will stretch into next season.
Long-Term Injuries: Major Absentees
Stefan Bajcetic
Stefan Bajcetic has yet to feature at all this season, with ongoing injury setbacks delaying his return. The midfielder has struggled to build momentum in his recovery, repeatedly getting close to rejoining the squad before suffering minor setbacks. Arne Slot has made it clear that expectations must be managed carefully. Even when Bajcetic returns to training, he will need time to regain match fitness after months without first-team action. His situation highlights the delicate balance between recovery and reintegration.
Conor Bradley
Conor Bradley’s season ended prematurely after a serious knee injury sustained against Arsenal in January. Following surgery, he has begun rehabilitation, but he is not expected to return before the end of the campaign. The Northern Irish defender’s absence has been a significant blow, particularly given his energy and reliability on the right flank. His focus now is on recovery and preparing for a strong comeback next season.
Hugo Ekitike
One of the most devastating injuries of the season came when Hugo Ekitike suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon during the Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain. This injury not only rules him out for the remainder of the club season but also sidelines him from France’s World Cup plans. Slot confirmed that while surgery was successful, the recovery process will be long and requires patience at every stage.
Giovanni Leoni
Young defender Giovanni Leoni is another player facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after tearing his ACL during his debut earlier in the season. The injury is particularly tough given the timing, as he had just begun to establish himself. Slot acknowledged the mental and physical challenge for a young player adapting to a new environment while dealing with such a serious setback.
Medium-Term Absences: Progress but Not Yet Ready
Wataru Endo
Wataru Endo is making steady progress after a foot injury suffered in February. Encouragingly, he has started working outdoors with the rehabilitation team, a key step in his recovery. However, he is not yet ready to return to full team training. Liverpool are hopeful he could be available towards the end of the season, which would provide a timely boost in midfield.
Jayden Danns
Jayden Danns is gradually working his way back after a long spell out. He has returned to action with the U21s, which is a positive step, but he still has significant progress to make before being considered for first-team selection. Slot praised his dedication during recovery but made it clear that the jump from youth matches to Premier League intensity requires careful management.
Giorgi Mamardashvili
The goalkeeper is currently sidelined after suffering a leg wound in a collision. His absence leaves Liverpool short of options between the posts, especially with other goalkeeping concerns in the squad. Slot confirmed that Mamardashvili will not be available for the immediate future, making this a key area of concern.
Short-Term Injuries: Close to Returning
Alisson Becker
Alisson Becker’s absence has been one of the most significant issues for Liverpool in recent weeks. The Brazilian has missed the last eight matches, leaving a noticeable gap in leadership and reliability at the back. There is cautious optimism that he could return soon, with hopes pinned on a possible comeback next week. His return would provide a major boost as Liverpool push for a strong finish to the season.
Alexander Isak
Alexander Isak missed the recent defeat to Manchester United due to a minor injury. Fortunately, the issue is not serious, and he is expected to return soon. Slot described the situation as a matter of fine margins, with the player just short of being fit enough to feature. His return will be important for Liverpool’s attacking options in the coming matches.
Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah’s recent muscle injury forced him off during the win over Crystal Palace and ruled him out of the clash against Manchester United. The positive news is that the injury is minor, and Salah is known for his dedication to recovery. Slot expressed confidence that the forward will return before the end of the season, potentially playing a decisive role in Liverpool’s final fixtures.
Goalkeeping Concerns: A Critical Area
Liverpool’s goalkeeping department has been particularly affected. With Alisson Becker yet to return to training and Giorgi Mamardashvili sidelined, the team has had to adapt quickly. This situation places additional pressure on the defensive unit, which must provide greater protection and stability. The return of Alisson cannot come soon enough, especially given his influence on organization and confidence at the back.
No Suspensions: A Rare Positive
Amid the injury concerns, there is at least one piece of good news. Liverpool currently have no players suspended. This provides Slot with some flexibility in selection, ensuring that all available players can be considered for upcoming fixtures without disciplinary restrictions.
What This Means for Liverpool’s Season
Injuries have disrupted Liverpool’s rhythm throughout the campaign. Key players missing at crucial moments have made it difficult to build consistency, particularly in defense and midfield. Despite these challenges, the team has shown resilience. Performances in recent matches, especially strong second-half displays, suggest that Liverpool still have the quality to compete at a high level. The return of players like Alisson, Salah, and Isak could be decisive in the final stretch. Their experience and quality could make the difference in tight matches as Liverpool chase important points.
The Bigger Picture: Managing Recovery and Expectations
Arne Slot has consistently emphasized the importance of patience when it comes to injured players. Rushing players back too quickly risks further setbacks, something Liverpool have already experienced this season. Each player’s recovery is being handled individually, with a focus on long-term fitness rather than short-term gains. This approach reflects a broader strategy aimed at building a sustainable and competitive squad for the future.
Final Thoughts
Liverpool’s injury list tells the story of a season filled with challenges but also resilience. From long-term absentees to players on the verge of returning, every situation has required careful management from Arne Slot and his staff. As the season approaches its conclusion, the focus will be on getting key players back at the right time and maintaining performance levels with the available squad. The road has not been easy, but Liverpool remain in the fight. If they can navigate these injury setbacks and regain key players, they still have a strong chance of ending the campaign on a high note. For supporters, the hope is simple. Stay competitive, stay focused, and finish strong.
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YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
LiverpoolFCTimes.com