Liverpool’s push for a top-four Premier League finish and European progress is being severely hampered by an extensive and debilitating injury crisis, with manager Arne Slot facing a mounting absentee list as the season enters a critical phase.
Key Forwards and Midfielders Sideline for the Long Term
The most significant blows have come to the club’s attacking and midfield resources. Record signing Alexander Isak, who suffered a fractured fibula and severe ankle injury in a challenge with Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven on December 20, is still not training with the first team. After surgery on December 22, the Swedish striker is in the final stages of rehabilitation and has returned to outdoor work, but has not yet commenced full football training.
While Sweden manager Graham Potter had previously raised hopes of a March return, Arne Slot has suggested the start of April is more realistic. Paul Joyce of The Times has reported he should return after the upcoming international break, with other indications pointing to a mid-April comeback. Slot has warned that even when Isak returns, he will need time to regain match sharpness. His absence has been acutely felt; he has managed just 781 minutes across 16 appearances since his arrival, significantly limiting Liverpool’s attacking plans.
In midfield, the situation is equally grim. Wataru Endo sustained a serious foot injury, with some reports citing an ankle problem, after being deployed at right-back during the match against Sunderland on February 11. The Japanese international was stretchered off and received oxygen on the pitch before undergoing surgery. Manager Arne Slot stated Endo would be out for a “long time” and required further assessment, with some reports indicating he may not feature for the club again this season. Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu has indicated the plan is for Endo to be ready for the 2026 World Cup. His injury has reduced Liverpool’s senior midfield options to just four players.
Defensive Depth Stretched to Breaking Point
The defensive ranks have been decimated by long-term issues. Conor Bradley suffered a significant knee injury in the latter stages of the Premier League fixture against Arsenal on January 8. While he avoided an anterior cruciate ligament tear, he required surgery to repair ruptured ligaments and is expected to miss the remainder of the season, potentially not returning until the start of the 2026-27 campaign. The defender has begun his rehabilitation, stating “surgery is done so the comeback starts now.” His personal circumstances were also struck by tragedy, with Liverpool FC announcing the death of his father, Joe, on February 3.
Further defensive misfortune saw young talent Giovanni Leoni suffer a serious ACL injury on his debut. Arne Slot described it as a “terrible injury,” and he is expected to be out until early August, missing the rest of the season.
Goalkeeper Concern and Attacking Setbacks
There is concern over the fitness of first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker. He missed the recent Champions League match against Galatasaray with a “minor” muscle issue, which he felt when passing the ball in training. He is considered a doubt for the upcoming Tottenham match but is expected to be available for the subsequent European fixture.
In attack, Federico Chiesa missed the trip to Galatasaray due to illness but is expected to be available for the Tottenham match. Meanwhile, fellow attackers Jayden Danns and Hugo Ekitiké are both listed with hamstring injuries.
Long-Term Absences and Squad Strain
The treatment room has several other long-term occupants. Stefan Bajcetic has not played at all this season due to a hamstring problem that required surgery earlier in the year. The club hopes for his return before the end of the campaign, but he has experienced setbacks in his recovery.
Another major creative outlet, Florian Wirtz, felt back pain during a warm-up and has missed recent games, with the club not rushing his return. Some reports indicate a potential comeback in mid-March. Veteran midfielder Thiago Alcântara has not been mentioned in recent injury updates, suggesting he may be fit or is no longer with the club.
This cascade of injuries has come at a damaging time for Liverpool’s ambitions. The team, currently sixth in the Premier League table, has suffered a 1-0 defeat to Galatasaray in Europe and a loss to Wolves domestically, increasing the pressure as they fight to improve their position in the race for Champions League qualification.
