Liverpool’s injury situation remains one of the defining subplots of their season, even after a composed 3-0 cup victory over Brighton and Hove Albion on 14 February 2026 brought no fresh setbacks.
Arne Slot has been navigating a defensive crisis for weeks. At times, he has had just one senior centre-back available and no natural right-back fit. Midfielders Curtis Jones, Dominik Szoboszlai and Wataru Endo have all filled in out wide, with mixed results.
Ahead of the Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest on 22 February 2026, here is the latest on Jeremie Frimpong, Alexander Isak, Conor Bradley and others.
Jeremie Frimpong injury latest
Frimpong has endured a disrupted first season at Anfield since arriving last summer. His latest issue came during the 6-0 Champions League win over Qarabag, when he limped off early with a muscle injury.
Slot confirmed at the time that the Dutchman would miss subsequent fixtures and described the setback as lasting “a few weeks”, though not as severe as initially feared.
There has been no further update since the recent win over Brighton. Based on previous comments, a return against West Ham on 28 February 2026 remains possible but is not guaranteed.
Potential return date: 28 February 2026 (West Ham, away)
Wataru Endo injury timeline
Endo was stretchered off during the 1-0 win over Sunderland after landing awkwardly while making a clearance at right-back. An inflatable cast was applied pitchside, and Slot admitted post-match that the injury “doesn’t look good”.
No official diagnosis has yet been confirmed publicly, and a clearer recovery timeline is expected in the coming days.
Given Slot’s comments suggesting a prolonged absence, Liverpool may need alternative solutions in the short term.
Potential return date: Unknown
Conor Bradley season-ending setback
Bradley suffered a significant knee injury during the 0-0 draw at Arsenal last month. The right-back avoided an ACL tear but required surgery to repair ruptured ligaments.
In a club statement, Liverpool confirmed that no timeframe had been placed on his return, though it is understood he will miss the remainder of the 2025/26 campaign.
Potential return date: Summer 2026
Alexander Isak return update
Record signing Alexander Isak has not featured since sustaining a broken leg in the 2-1 win at Tottenham before Christmas. Slot described the challenge that caused the injury as “reckless” at the time.
The Sweden international has recently been pictured back in individual training without a protective cast, suggesting progress in rehabilitation. However, Slot previously stated the injury would sideline him for “a couple of months”.
The expectation remains that Isak will return before the end of the season, with March 2026 the current target window.
Potential return date: March 2026
Giovanni Leoni long-term absence
Young defender Giovanni Leoni tore his ACL on his debut against Southampton in the Carabao Cup in September. Slot confirmed the Italian would be out for around a year.
Given the severity of the injury and his age, Liverpool are prioritising long-term recovery over acceleration.
Potential return date: September 2026
Key Insights
- Liverpool have avoided fresh injuries after the Brighton win.
- Frimpong could return by late February but remains sidelined.
- Endo faces an extended spell out following his Sunderland injury.
- Bradley will miss the rest of the season after knee surgery.
- Isak is targeting a March return from a broken leg.
What’s Next
Liverpool face Nottingham Forest on 22 February 2026 with ongoing uncertainty at right-back. Slot may again turn to makeshift options if Frimpong is not ready and Endo’s injury proves serious.
Much will depend on medical updates in the coming week. The West Ham fixture on 28 February could mark Frimpong’s comeback, while Isak’s projected March return offers longer-term optimism in attack.
Can Slot navigate this injury storm without derailing Liverpool’s season?
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