Liverpool’s injury concerns continue to mount at a crucial point in the season. After suffering a 2–1 defeat to Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday — their third straight loss — Arne Slot’s side are now preparing for a pivotal Champions League trip to Germany, hoping to steady their campaign against Eintracht Frankfurt.
The Reds created enough chances to earn a result against their fierce rivals, but lapses in concentration and key absences proved costly. The focus now turns to recovery and rotation, as several first-team players face late fitness tests before Tuesday night’s European fixture.
Ryan Gravenberch – ankle twist under assessment
Ryan Gravenberch’s evening against United ended prematurely after twisting his ankle midway through the second half. Although the Dutch midfielder initially tried to play on, he was withdrawn in the 62nd minute for precautionary reasons.
“I took him off because he twisted his ankle,” confirmed Slot post-match. “We’ll have to wait and see tomorrow, but we have to play again in two days.” Gravenberch will undergo a fitness test before the squad travels to Frankfurt, with staff cautiously optimistic that the injury is minor.
Potential return date: October 22 – vs Eintracht Frankfurt (A)
Alexis Mac Allister – fit despite head knock
Alexis Mac Allister also gave Liverpool a scare after colliding with Virgil van Dijk during the build-up to Bryan Mbeumo’s goal. The Argentine required treatment and a bandage but was later cleared of concussion concerns. Slot has since confirmed that his substitution was tactical rather than medical.
Potential return date: October 22 – vs Eintracht Frankfurt (A)
Alisson Becker – hamstring injury still healing
Liverpool will again be without first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker, who remains sidelined with the hamstring injury sustained against Galatasaray earlier this month. The Brazilian’s rehabilitation is progressing, though Slot insists caution is key.
“Alisson is not training; he’s out,” Slot said. “The end phase of rehab can give positives and negatives, but he won’t play this weekend or next week.” That rules the 32-year-old out of the Frankfurt and Brentford fixtures, though a Carabao Cup return later this month remains realistic.
Potential return date: October 29 – vs Crystal Palace (H)
Wataru Endo – mystery knock but no panic
Midfielder Wataru Endo missed Japan’s recent international fixtures, with national coach Hajime Moriyasu confirming the absence was precautionary. However, the 31-year-old was also left out of Liverpool’s squad against United, suggesting he may still be carrying a minor knock.
Slot is expected to make a late decision on his involvement against Frankfurt or Brentford depending on how he responds to training this week.
Potential return date: Unknown
Giovanni Leoni – long-term ACL setback
Promising centre-back Giovanni Leoni faces up to a year out after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury in Liverpool’s Carabao Cup win over Southampton. The 18-year-old landed awkwardly after a late challenge and was stretchered off, with scans confirming a full ACL tear.
“He tore his ACL, which means he’ll be out for around a year,” said Slot. “It’s tough, especially for someone so young and new to the country, but he has plenty of time to come back stronger.”
Potential return date: Late 2026
Squad depth being tested ahead of key fixtures
The injuries have forced Slot to reshuffle his midfield and defence in recent weeks, testing Liverpool’s squad depth across multiple competitions. With Gravenberch and Endo both doubts, youngsters like Bobby Clark and Stefan Bajčetić could feature in the matchday squad for Frankfurt.
Meanwhile, backup goalkeeper Djordje Petrović is expected to retain his place between the posts. The Serbian has been solid in Alisson’s absence, keeping three clean sheets in his last five appearances across all competitions.
Why Slot’s injury management could define Liverpool’s autumn run
Liverpool’s ability to navigate this run of fixtures will depend heavily on Slot’s squad rotation and recovery strategy. The Reds face Frankfurt away, Brentford in the Premier League, and Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup within the next ten days — all while trying to avoid further setbacks.
Sources close to the club suggest Slot has implemented lighter training loads and increased recovery time following recent fixture congestion. The manager is said to be prioritising freshness over intensity, a lesson learned from his final season at Feyenoord when a spate of muscle injuries derailed their title challenge.
If the medical staff can nurse Gravenberch and Endo back swiftly and reintegrate Alisson by the end of the month, Liverpool’s campaign could yet regain stability. But until then, adaptability and squad unity will be key themes of Slot’s early tenure.
Key Insights
- Ryan Gravenberch’s ankle injury will be assessed before the Frankfurt trip.
- Alexis Mac Allister is expected to be available after a minor head knock.
- Alisson Becker remains out with a hamstring injury until at least October 29.
- Wataru Endo’s absence is believed to be precautionary.
- Giovanni Leoni faces a year-long recovery after tearing his ACL.
What’s Next for Liverpool
Liverpool travel to Germany to face Eintracht Frankfurt on Tuesday before resuming domestic duties at Brentford on Saturday. Slot’s team will hope to end their losing streak and regain confidence ahead of a busy end to October.
The manager remains upbeat, insisting his squad has the depth and mentality to overcome their current injury crisis — provided key players return on schedule.
👉 Can Arne Slot steer Liverpool through their injury crisis and reignite their Champions League campaign in Germany?
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