Liverpool injury update: Rio Ngumoha, Conor Bradley and Alexander Isak latest news and return dates

Liverpool are finally up and running in 2026, but momentum has been tempered by a growing injury list ahead of this weekend’s Premier League clash with Burnley at Anfield.

The Reds eased past Barnsley with a 4–1 FA Cup win on Monday night, setting up a fourth-round tie against Brighton next month. Attention now turns back to league matters, with Arne Slot eager to halt a run of three consecutive Premier League draws that has pulled Liverpool into a congested top-four battle.

However, injuries to key players — particularly in defence — have complicated preparations.

Youngster Rio Ngumoha was handed a rare start against Barnsley and impressed before being substituted in the 73rd minute following an awkward slip on the turf.

Initial concerns centred around a potential hamstring issue, but Slot played down fears post-match, suggesting cramp was the more likely cause.

“That’s cramp, I hope. I expect it to be cramp,” Slot said. “He hasn’t made that many minutes this season and today he made 70, 75. That’s good for him.”

The Liverpool head coach also highlighted the physical demands of Premier League football, viewing the outing as a valuable learning experience for the youngster.

Potential return date: 17 January vs Burnley (H)

The most serious setback involves Conor Bradley, who was forced off late in last Thursday’s goalless draw at Arsenalafter landing awkwardly near the touchline.

While Bradley has avoided an anterior cruciate ligament rupture, Liverpool have confirmed he will require surgery to repair ligament and bone damage in his left knee. The right-back is expected to miss the remainder of the season.

A club statement read: “Liverpool FC can confirm Conor Bradley has sustained a significant knee injury… Bradley will undergo surgery in the coming days and then begin rehabilitation at the AXA Training Centre.”

The injury also rules Bradley out of Northern Ireland’s World Cup play-off against Italy in March.

Potential return date: Unknown (season-ending)

Liverpool also remain without Alexander Isak, who has been sidelined since sustaining a serious ankle injury in the win over Tottenham Hotspur before Christmas.

Isak suffered a fractured fibula following a challenge from Micky van de Ven and subsequently required surgery. Slot has confirmed the striker is facing a spell of several months on the sidelines, though there is optimism he could return before the end of the campaign.

“It’s going to be a long injury, for a couple of months,” Slot admitted. “It’s a big disappointment for him and for us.”

Potential return date: March 2026

There is no change regarding Giovanni Leoni, who suffered a torn ACL on his Liverpool debut in the Carabao Cup win over Southampton in September.

The summer signing from Parma is expected to be sidelined for around 12 months following surgery, ruling him out for the remainder of this season and likely the start of the next.

Potential return date: September 2026

There is better news in other areas. Hugo Ekitike played for 30 minutes against Barnsley and scored a goal, Wataru Endo have both returned to training and are available for selection, while Mohamed Salah remains away on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Liverpool host Burnley on 17 January knowing a win is essential to regain ground in the top-four race. With Bradley ruled out and Isak still sidelined, squad rotation and defensive balance will be closely monitored as fixtures begin to stack up across competitions.

Can Liverpool maintain their top-four push with key players missing — or will injuries continue to shape their season?