Liverpool welcome Wolves to Anfield on Saturday as they look to close the gap on the Premier League top four, but Arne Slot will have to do without several key players.
Isak ruled out as Ekitike leads the line
Liverpool will be without Alexander Isak, who suffered a broken leg while scoring in last weekend’s 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur.
The injury is the latest setback in what has been a difficult start to life on Merseyside for the striker and leaves Hugo Ekitike to shoulder the goalscoring burden alone. The Frenchman made no mistake in north London, netting Liverpool’s second at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
AFCON absence and fitness doubts
Liverpool are also without Mohamed Salah, who is away on Africa Cup of Nations duty.
There is uncertainty elsewhere. Cody Gakpo is rated “50-50” after missing recent matches with a knock, while Conor Bradley faces a late fitness test.
On a more positive note, Florian Wirtz has been passed fit to feature against Wolves.
Defensive and midfield setup
Long-term absentees include Joe Gomez, Wataru Endo, Giovanni Leoni and Isak.
As a result, Alisson is set to start in goal, with the back four largely settled. Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konatéshould continue at centre-back.
If Bradley fails to prove his fitness, Jeremie Frimpong is expected to start at right-back. Milos Kerkez, who was preferred to Andy Robertson at Spurs, should retain his place on the left.
In midfield, Alexis Mac Allister is likely to partner Ryan Gravenberch. With Dominik Szoboszlai suspended, Curtis Jones could come into the side.
That may require Wirtz to drift wide, with Salah unavailable and Szoboszlai having recently filled in on the right flank.
Predicted Liverpool XI (4-2-3-1)
Alisson; Frimpong, Konaté, van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Wirtz, Jones, Gakpo; Ekitike
Doubts: Bradley, Gakpo
Unavailable: Salah, Isak, Gomez, Endo, Leoni
Time and date: 3pm GMT, Saturday 27 December 2025
Venue: Anfield
Key Insight
- Liverpool are without both Alexander Isak and Mohamed Salah.
- Hugo Ekitike is expected to lead the line alone.
- Florian Wirtz has been passed fit and could start wide.
- Dominik Szoboszlai is suspended, opening the door for Curtis Jones.
- A win would move Liverpool closer to the top four.
What’s next?
Liverpool face a crucial run of league fixtures as they attempt to force their way into the Champions League places.
With key attackers unavailable, Slot will be hoping Ekitike continues his strong form and that Wirtz can provide creativity as the Reds aim to make Anfield count during the festive period.
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