Liverpool injury update: Isak, Salah and Alisson latest before Chelsea

Liverpool’s season took another hit at Old Trafford, and it was not just the result that hurt.

Defeat to Manchester United left Liverpool with fresh pressure in the race for Champions League qualification, but the growing injury list is becoming just as damaging.

Arne Slot travelled to Manchester without eight first-team players, and the absence of key names was felt again in a game Liverpool could not afford to lose.

Now, with Chelsea heading to Anfield next weekend, attention has turned sharply to who might return.

Here is the latest Liverpool injury news.

Alexander Isak was the latest name added to Liverpool’s injury list after picking up a groin issue in training before the trip to Old Trafford.

The striker was left out of the squad completely, with concerns growing given his stop-start campaign.

But the early signs are positive.

Speaking before kick-off, Arne Slot suggested the issue was only minor and could clear in time for Chelsea.

“With Alex, it wasn’t much but unfortunately it was too much for him to be able to play. We are hoping to have him back next week.” — Arne Slot

That would be a major boost.

Based on recent matches we’ve covered, Liverpool have lacked sharpness in the final third without a natural focal point.

Potential return date: Chelsea (H), 9 May 2026

Mohamed Salah remains one of the biggest concerns.

The Egyptian picked up a hamstring injury against Crystal Palace, and early reports suggested his Liverpool career might already be over.

That now looks unlikely.

Liverpool have confirmed Salah is expected back before the end of the season, which means there is still a realistic chance for him to play a role before his expected summer departure.

Slot sounded confident when discussing the timeline. He pointed to Salah’s history of recovering quickly from minor injuries. That matters now.

Liverpool’s attacking structure often revolves around Salah’s ability to stretch defences and create overloads. Without him, the balance changes.

Potential return date: Chelsea (H), 9 May 2026

Alisson Becker was also missing at Old Trafford after failing to recover in time from his hamstring issue.

The goalkeeper has now missed eight straight matches. That is a significant absence.

Liverpool have looked less stable defensively without him, and Slot confirmed the goalkeeper has not yet returned to full training.

Still, there is hope. If this week goes well, Alisson could be back in contention against Chelsea. However, it remains too early to guarantee that.

Goalkeepers returning from hamstring injuries often require careful management because of the explosive movements involved.

Potential return date: Chelsea (H), 9 May 2026

Hugo Ekitike will not return anytime soon.

The striker ruptured his Achilles against Paris Saint-Germain and has already undergone surgery.

That injury is expected to keep him out for several months, ruling him out of this summer’s international tournament and likely the start of next season.

Slot confirmed the operation went well, but the club remain cautious over long-term recovery.

Potential return date: Winter 2026

Giorgi Mamardashvili remains sidelined after suffering a knee injury in the Merseyside derby.

There has been no fresh timeline given, which often suggests Liverpool are still assessing the full extent.

Meanwhile, Wataru Endo has stepped up his recovery from an ankle injury and is now training individually outdoors.

That is progress.

From the last few weeks of Liverpool’s campaign, Endo’s return could be important for midfield balance, especially if fixture pressure intensifies.

But he will not be available immediately.

Potential return date: Late May 2026

Liverpool’s home game against Chelsea now feels enormous.

With Champions League qualification still on the line, Slot will hope to recover at least two or three senior names before kick-off. Isak, Salah and Alisson all have realistic chances, and their availability could transform Liverpool’s outlook.

Anything less than a win would increase the pressure even further in the closing weeks.