Liverpool injury update: Salah and Alisson latest return dates before Aston Villa

Liverpool could receive a major double fitness boost ahead of Friday’s crucial Premier League clash with Aston Villa, with both Mohamed Salah and Alisson Becker edging closer to a return.

Liverpool were held to a frustrating draw against Chelsea last weekend, a result that left their Champions League qualification hopes still unresolved heading into the final stretch of the season.

Arne Slot’s side struggled for attacking sharpness despite the return of Alexander Isak from the bench, and the manager will now hope key reinforcements arrive in time for the trip to Villa Park.

Mohamed Salah closing in on comeback

Salah has been sidelined since suffering a hamstring injury against Crystal Palace FC last month.

The Egyptian forward has yet to resume full training, but Liverpool remain confident he will return before the end of the campaign.

The club previously dismissed speculation that his season was already over, while Slot recently described the injury as “minor”.

Having followed Liverpool’s recent performances closely, Salah’s absence has significantly reduced their attacking threat in decisive moments.

His return would provide a major lift ahead of one of Liverpool’s biggest remaining fixtures.

Potential return date: Aston Villa vs Liverpool — 15 May 2026

Goalkeeper Alisson has missed nine consecutive matches with a hamstring issue but is also believed to be close to rejoining team training.

Slot recently confirmed the Brazilian is “very, very close” to returning, although he has not yet fully integrated with the squad.

Liverpool’s defensive structure has remained competitive during his absence, but Alisson’s experience and distribution remain difficult to replace, particularly in high-pressure away fixtures.

Potential return date: Aston Villa vs Liverpool — 15 May 2026

There is far less positive news around Hugo Ekitike.

The striker suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon during Liverpool’s clash with Paris Saint-Germain and has already undergone surgery.

Slot confirmed the early stages of recovery have gone well, but the rehabilitation process is expected to take several months.

That injury is likely to rule Ekitike out of the start of next season and potentially this summer’s international commitments.

Potential return date: December 2026

Wataru Endo has started outdoor rehabilitation work after suffering a serious ankle injury earlier this year.

Although he remains unavailable for immediate fixtures, Liverpool are optimistic he could return before the campaign officially concludes.

Slot recently confirmed the midfielder has resumed individual exercises on the pitch with the club’s rehabilitation staff.

However, it remains too early to confirm an exact timeline for his comeback.

Potential return date: June 2026

Liverpool’s immediate focus is Friday’s huge trip to Aston Villa, a match that could heavily shape the Champions League race.

The possible returns of Salah and Alisson would provide a major boost at both ends of the pitch, particularly after Liverpool struggled for cutting edge against Chelsea.

For Slot, balancing fitness risks with the importance of the fixture will now be crucial.

Can Salah and Alisson help Liverpool secure a vital result at Villa Park?