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Liverpool’s season has been heavily shaped by injuries, setbacks, and unavailable players, and the final stretch of the campaign is proving no different. As Arne Slot pushes to secure Champions League qualification and finish the season strongly, fitness concerns continue to dominate the conversation around Anfield. The Reds currently have several important first-team players sidelined, while others are racing against time to return before the campaign concludes. From Mohamed Salah and Alisson Becker edging closer to comebacks to long-term concerns involving Conor Bradley and Hugo Ekitike, Liverpool’s injury list remains one of the club’s biggest challenges.
Mohamed Salah Closing In on Return
One of the biggest pieces of positive news for Liverpool supporters is that Mohamed Salah is getting closer to a return. The Egyptian superstar has missed recent matches after suffering a minor muscle injury during Liverpool’s 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Anfield on April 25. His absence has been deeply felt, especially in games where Liverpool have struggled to turn dominance into goals. Salah remains Liverpool’s most dangerous attacking player and his influence on the team cannot be overstated. Arne Slot provided an encouraging update earlier this week.
“Mo has not trained with us yet but is getting very, very, very close to training with us,” the Liverpool manager explained.
That statement strongly suggests Salah could return before the season ends, offering Liverpool a major boost during the final matches of the Premier League campaign. Given Liverpool’s ongoing struggles in attack, his comeback cannot arrive soon enough.
Alisson Becker Also Nearing Comeback
Liverpool are also hopeful that Alisson Becker will return soon after missing the club’s last nine matches through injury. The Brazilian goalkeeper remains one of the most important figures in the squad. His leadership, composure, and shot-stopping quality have been badly missed during his absence. Although Giorgi Mamardashvili has stepped in admirably since returning from injury himself, Liverpool supporters know just how important Alisson is in big moments. Slot confirmed the goalkeeper is progressing well in recovery.
“He doesn’t train with us yet but is very close to,” the Dutch coach said on May 8.
That update offers optimism that Alisson could return during the final phase of the season as Liverpool continue battling for consistency and results.
Ibrahima Konate Faces Fitness Assessment
Liverpool are also monitoring Ibrahima Konate after the defender limped off during the second half of the recent draw against Chelsea at Anfield. The French centre-back has been one of Liverpool’s key defensive players this season, making any potential injury a major concern ahead of the upcoming clash with Aston Villa. Fortunately, early signs suggest the issue may not be serious.
“We always have to wait and see,” Slot said after the Chelsea match. “The way he limped off, he told me it was cramp.”
The Liverpool boss also admitted the club will only know more after further assessment.
“Let’s hope he is right in his assessment, but we have to wait and see tomorrow how he feels.”
With Liverpool already lacking defensive stability at times this season, Konate’s availability could be hugely important in the remaining fixtures.
Florian Wirtz Sidelined by Illness
Another recent absence has been Florian Wirtz, who missed the Chelsea game because of illness. The German playmaker has become one of Liverpool’s most influential attacking players this season, bringing creativity and technical quality to Slot’s midfield setup. According to the Liverpool manager, Wirtz battled to make himself available but was ultimately unable to recover in time.
“He tried everything to be involved,” Slot revealed. “But an infection in the stomach. He wasn’t feeling well during the week.”
Slot explained that the situation worsened as the week progressed.
“He tried earlier in the week to train, but in the end things got worse.”
Liverpool are now waiting to see how quickly Wirtz recovers before making decisions about his availability for upcoming matches.
Conor Bradley’s Recovery Remains Uncertain
Conor Bradley continues facing a difficult rehabilitation after suffering a serious knee injury against Arsenal back in January. The young Northern Ireland international underwent surgery shortly after the injury and has been working through a lengthy recovery process ever since. Unfortunately, Slot admitted predicting Bradley’s return remains extremely difficult at this stage.
“In the rehab it’s always really important in certain steps if they go well or don’t go well,” the Liverpool manager explained.
Slot also revealed Bradley is still working indoors rather than returning to outdoor training.
“He’s still inside, he works really hard to make the right steps but he’s at this moment quite far away of already going outside.”
The update suggests Liverpool are taking a cautious approach with the talented full-back, prioritizing his long-term recovery over rushing him back too early.
Stefan Bajcetic Still Waiting for Return
Stefan Bajcetic’s frustrating injury nightmare also continues. The midfielder has not featured at all during the 2025-26 season due to ongoing physical setbacks. Every time he appears close to returning, another complication seems to delay his comeback. Slot described the situation earlier this year in honest terms.
“He constantly gets close to the team and then he has a little setback,” the Liverpool boss said.
Even once Bajcetic returns to training, Liverpool know expectations will need to remain realistic after such a long absence from competitive football.
“As much as I’d like to have him back, we have to manage the expectations with him as well,” Slot admitted.
Liverpool supporters remain hopeful the highly rated midfielder can eventually rediscover his best form after such a difficult period.
Hugo Ekitike Ruled Out Long Term
Perhaps the most devastating injury blow of Liverpool’s season came with Hugo Ekitike’s ruptured Achilles tendon. The striker suffered the serious injury during the Champions League defeat against Paris Saint-Germain on April 14, ending not only his club season but also his hopes of representing France at the World Cup. Slot confirmed surgery was successful but warned recovery will take a very long time.
“The surgery went well. That’s the first important step,” he explained.
However, the Liverpool manager stressed how unpredictable long-term rehabilitation can become.
“It’s going to take a long time,” Slot admitted.
The injury represents a heartbreaking setback for Ekitike, who had shown flashes of his quality before suffering the devastating blow.
Wataru Endo Making Progress
There is slightly better news regarding Wataru Endo. The experienced midfielder has been sidelined since February after suffering a foot injury against Sunderland. However, Slot confirmed Endo has started working outdoors again with Liverpool’s rehabilitation staff.
“Wata is starting to go outside,” Slot revealed.
Although he is not yet training with the first team, the progress offers hope that Endo could still feature before the season finishes. Liverpool have missed his experience, energy, and defensive discipline in midfield during recent months.
Jayden Danns Continuing His Recovery
Young striker Jayden Danns is also still working toward full fitness after another frustrating injury setback. The forward has not played since being forced off during an Under-21s match against Manchester City in March. Slot praised the youngster’s mentality and determination during recovery.
“He’s worked so hard,” the Liverpool manager said.
However, Slot also acknowledged there are still major steps ahead before Danns becomes a realistic first-team option again.
Giovanni Leoni’s Long Road Back
Defender Giovanni Leoni remains out with a serious ACL injury suffered during his debut earlier in the season. The young Italian endured the cruel setback after impressing against Southampton in the Carabao Cup before tearing his anterior cruciate ligament late in the match. Slot admitted the injury has been emotionally difficult for the teenager.
“He is not in a good place, of course,” the Liverpool manager said earlier in the campaign. Still, Liverpool remain optimistic about his long-term future due to his age and potential.
No Liverpool Suspensions
One piece of positive news for Liverpool is that no players are currently suspended. That gives Slot more flexibility with selection during the final weeks of the season as the Reds continue chasing important results.
Conclusion
Liverpool’s injury situation has become one of the defining stories of their season. From long-term absentees like Hugo Ekitike and Giovanni Leoni to key first-team stars such as Salah and Alisson working toward returns, Arne Slot has constantly been forced to adapt his plans. Despite those challenges, Liverpool remain firmly in the fight for Champions League qualification and still have opportunities to finish the season positively. The return of important players over the coming weeks could make a huge difference. For now, Liverpool supporters will be watching every training update carefully, hoping the squad can finally move closer to full strength during the most important stage of the campaign.
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YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
LiverpoolFCTimes.com