Liverpool’s injury list remains a growing concern as Arne Slot prepares his side for a pivotal Premier League clash with Manchester City, despite recent wins restoring momentum.
The champions bounced back strongly with emphatic victories over Qarabag and Newcastle, easing the sting of a surprise defeat to Bournemouth earlier this month. However, those results have not solved Liverpool’s mounting availability issues, particularly in defence, where options remain stretched.
According to club updates and comments from Slot, Liverpool are still without several senior figures as the run-in intensifies.
Defensive depth still under strain
The return of Ibrahima Konate following compassionate leave has offered some relief, but Liverpool continue to operate with minimal cover at the back. Slot has already been forced into creative solutions, deploying midfielders in unfamiliar roles as injuries pile up.
That improvisation is likely to continue in the short term, with multiple players facing weeks or months on the sidelines.
Jeremie Frimpong
Jeremie Frimpong has endured a frustrating start to life at Anfield. The Dutch international was substituted after just four minutes against Qarabag due to a muscle issue, adding to a stop-start campaign.
Slot confirmed the injury is not as severe as initially feared, but Frimpong is still expected to miss several weeks.
Potential return date: 21 February 2026 vs Nottingham Forest (A)
Joe Gomez
Joe Gomez was forced off during the defeat at Bournemouth and remains unavailable, leaving Liverpool with only two senior centre-backs fit.
Slot indicated the England international is nearing a return and could be back sooner rather than later.
Potential return date: 8 February 2026 vs Manchester City (H)
Conor Bradley
Conor Bradley suffered a significant knee injury during the goalless draw at Arsenal last month. While he avoided an ACL rupture, surgery was required and his season is over.
Liverpool have confirmed no timeframe has been set, but the expectation is a lengthy rehabilitation.
Potential return date: Summer 2026
Setback in attack
Liverpool’s problems are not confined to defence.
Alexander Isak
Alexander Isak has not featured since suffering a fractured fibula in December against Tottenham. The forward required surgery after a heavy challenge and faces a prolonged absence.
Slot has described the injury as a “big disappointment” but remains hopeful the Swede will feature again before the campaign ends.
Potential return date: March 2026
Giovanni Leoni
Teenage defender Giovanni Leoni will miss the remainder of the season after tearing his ACL on his debut in September. The Italian faces close to a year out as he recovers from the setback.
Potential return date: September 2026
Key insights
- Liverpool’s right-back situation is still the headline issue, with Bradley out long-term and Frimpong sidelined for weeks.
- Gomez’s potential return is a major boost given the lack of senior centre-back depth.
- Isak’s projected March comeback offers hope, but his return will depend on rehabilitation progress.
- Squad management against Manchester City becomes even more important with key defenders missing.
- However, it remains too early to draw firm conclusions on exact return timings until Liverpool confirm training reintegration.
What it means for Liverpool
With Manchester City next up on 8 February 2026, Slot’s squad depth will be tested again. Liverpool’s recent results have kept them firmly in the title picture, but continued reliance on makeshift solutions underlines the importance of managing workloads carefully in the weeks ahead.
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