Liverpool injury update: Gomez, Konaté, Isak and Chiesa fitness latest

Liverpool’s defensive resources have been stretched to breaking point after another damaging weekend for Arne Slot’s side.

Liverpool were beaten 3-2 by Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium, a result that reopened the door for Manchester United and the chasing pack in the Champions League race. Worse still, the defeat came with another injury setback, as Joe Gomez was forced off during the second half.

With multiple absentees in key areas, Slot is suddenly facing a genuine selection crisis — particularly in central defence — as Liverpool prepare to face Qarabag in Europe and Newcastle United in the Premier League.

Here is the latest Liverpool injury news and potential return dates.

Joe Gomez was forced off during the defeat at Bournemouth after colliding with Alisson, leaving Liverpool with just one senior centre-back available.

Slot admitted after the game that he was unsure how quickly Gomez could recover, describing the issue as a painful knee impact rather than a muscle injury.

“Joe got a knock from Alisson, his knee went somewhere,” Slot explained. “I think it was bone on bone. You could see he was not able to continue. I don’t know if he is going to train in two or three days.”

Potential return date: Unknown

Ibrahima Konaté missed both the Marseille and Bournemouth matches, though not through injury.

The centre-back has been granted compassionate leave following the passing of his father. Slot confirmed that Konaté needed time away from football and would not be rushed back.

“These are private matters,” Slot said. “If something like that happens, a player needs time for his family and for himself.”

Potential return date: Unknown

Federico Chiesa was absent again last week and did not make the matchday squad at Bournemouth.

Slot confirmed ahead of the game that Chiesa was “50-50” to feature, though no further update has been issued since. There is hope the winger could return for the Qarabag fixture.

Potential return date: January 28 vs Qarabag (H)

Conor Bradley has been ruled out for the rest of the season after sustaining a serious knee injury against Arsenal earlier this month.

While Bradley avoided an ACL rupture, he required surgery to repair ligament damage and will not return this campaign.

A club statement confirmed: “No timeframe is being placed on his return to playing at this stage.”

Potential return date: Unknown (out for season)

Alexander Isak suffered a fractured fibula after scoring against Tottenham before Christmas, an injury that required surgery.

Slot described the challenge that caused the injury as “reckless” and confirmed the striker faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines, though he is expected to return before the end of the season.

“It’s going to be a long injury, for a couple of months,” Slot said.

Potential return date: March 2026

Giovanni Leoni will not feature again this season after tearing his ACL on his debut in the Carabao Cup against Southampton.

The teenage defender faces close to a year out as he recovers from the setback.

Potential return date: September 2026

Liverpool host Qarabag in the Champions League on January 28 before playing at home against Newcastle in the Premier League, with Slot likely to be forced into makeshift defensive solutions.

Can Liverpool survive this injury crisis without being dragged fully into the top-four scrap?