Liverpool Face Injury Concerns As Isak Sidelined, Ekitike Doubtful And Salah Away

Liverpool are continuing to manage a growing list of fitness concerns as the season enters a crucial phase, with several first-team players sidelined through injury, while Mohamed Salah remains away on international duty.

Midfielder Wataru Endo has been unavailable since early December after suffering an ankle injury in the 3-3 draw with Leeds United on December 6. The Japan international has yet to return to action and remains out as Liverpool monitor his recovery.

Hugo Ekitike was the latest addition to Liverpool’s injury list, missing the 2-1 defeat to Fulham on January 4 with a minor hamstring problem. Head coach Arne Slot explained that the issue stemmed from the increased workload placed on the young forward following Alexander Isak’s absence. Slot admitted Ekitike had been forced to play more minutes than planned, which proved challenging for a player still adapting to the physical demands of the Premier League. While there is hope he could return for the upcoming clash with Arsenal, Slot stressed there is no certainty over his availability.

Isak himself faces an extended spell on the sidelines after undergoing surgery on an ankle injury that included a fibula fracture. The Sweden international sustained the injury while scoring against Tottenham Hotspur on December 20 and went under the knife two days later. Slot has confirmed Isak is expected to be out for “a couple of months”, calling the setback a major disappointment for both player and club, although he remains confident the striker will feature again before the end of the 2025-26 season.

Defender Giovanni Leoni is also facing a lengthy recovery after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament during his debut appearance against Southampton in the Carabao Cup. The injury is expected to rule the young centre-back out for around a year, with Slot acknowledging the emotional toll of such a serious setback so early in Leoni’s Liverpool career.

Away from injuries, Mohamed Salah is currently unavailable after joining Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations. The forward has made an immediate impact, scoring in group-stage matches against Zimbabwe and South Africa to help Egypt progress to the last 16. Egypt are next in action on January 5, with Liverpool monitoring Salah’s progress in the tournament.

There are no current suspensions in the Liverpool squad, but Conor Bradley is walking a disciplinary tightrope in Europe. The right-back is one yellow card away from a one-match Champions League ban ahead of upcoming fixtures against Marseille and Qarabag later this month.

With key players either sidelined or away, Slot faces important selection decisions as Liverpool navigate a demanding run of domestic and European fixtures.

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