Liverpool eased some of the pressure on Arne Slot with a 2–0 win over Aston Villa, ending a four-game losing streak and reigniting belief at Anfield. The victory lifted the Reds back into the top three — but the squad remains stretched, with several key players still sidelined ahead of a defining week that includes Real Madrid in the Champions League and Manchester City in the Premier League.
Here’s the latest on the club’s current injury list and expected return dates.
Alexander Isak
Liverpool’s record signing Alexander Isak continues to endure a frustrating start to life on Merseyside. The £125 million summer arrival was forced off at half-time during the 5–1 Champions League win over Eintracht Frankfurt, with Slot confirming a minor groin problem.
“Alexander had to go off at half-time because he felt his groin a little bit. That’s a pity,” said Slot. “I’ve said many times it is such a difficult balance to find with a player that missed three months.” — Arne Slot, post-Frankfurt press conference
Isak has since missed Premier League matches against Brentford, Aston Villa, and the Carabao Cup defeat to Crystal Palace. No further update has been provided, leaving his availability for Real Madrid in serious doubt.
Potential return date: Unknown
Jeremie Frimpong
Another big-money summer signing, Jeremie Frimpong, faces a second spell on the sidelines just months into his Liverpool career. After missing six weeks with a hamstring injury sustained on his Premier League debut against Bournemouth, the Dutch full-back suffered a recurrence of the same issue during the Frankfurt match.
Reports last week confirmed that Frimpong is set to miss another six weeks, ruling him out of crucial fixtures against Aston Villa, Real Madrid, Manchester City, Nottingham Forest, PSV Eindhoven, and West Ham United.
Potential return date: December
Curtis Jones
Curtis Jones gave Slot another headache when he limped off against Brentford last month. The midfielder requested to be substituted in the second half, but walked off unaided — a sign that his injury may not be serious.
Slot downplayed immediate concern:
“We have to wait and see. He asked to be taken off. He walked off instead of needing a lot of treatment so I have to wait and see.” — Arne Slot
Jones missed the following matches against Crystal Palace and Aston Villa, and is undergoing assessment ahead of the Madrid clash.
Potential return date: Unknown
Alisson Becker
Liverpool’s goalkeeping situation remains uncertain with Alisson Becker still recovering from a hamstring injury picked up in September’s Champions League tie against Galatasaray.
Slot told reporters before the Brentford match that Alisson “is not in the squad” and that the issue will “take a little bit longer.” Although the Brazilian is nearing the final stages of rehabilitation, the midweek visit of Real Madrid and the City showdown may come too soon.
Potential return date: November
Giovanni Leoni
Teenage defender Giovanni Leoni’s Liverpool debut ended in heartbreak when he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear against Southampton in September. The Italian underwent successful surgery but faces a long recovery.
“He’s not in a good place, of course. He tore his ACL which means that he will be out for around a year.” — Arne Slot
Potential return date: Late 2026
Our View: Slot’s Depth Will Be Tested in Season-Defining Stretch
In our view, Arne Slot’s tactical acumen is about to face its toughest test yet. With Isak and Frimpong both out, Liverpool’s right flank has lost two key components — one of pace, the other of finishing power.
Slot’s decision to prioritise fitness over short-term risk suggests a longer-term mindset, and given the magnitude of upcoming fixtures, that caution could pay off later in the campaign.
Key Insights
- Injury list grows: Five first-team players currently sidelined.
- Major absentees: Isak (groin) and Frimpong (hamstring) out for several weeks.
- Alisson update: Recovery ongoing, November return likely.
- Depth under pressure: Jones being monitored closely.
- Real Madrid next: Rotation expected as Slot manages workloads.
What’s Next
Liverpool host Real Madrid in a blockbuster Champions League tie on Wednesday before playing away Manchester City at the Etihad the weekend. Slot is expected to provide further updates on Isak and Frimpong in his pre-match press conference.
👉 Reds fans — which injured player’s return do you think will make the biggest impact: Isak’s goals, Frimpong’s energy, or Alisson’s leadership?
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