Liverpool FC Sweating On Returns As Injuries Continue

Liverpool’s 2025–26 season continues to be heavily influenced by injuries, with manager Arne Slot navigating a growing list of absentees during a crucial period of the campaign. Although there are currently no suspensions affecting the squad, several first-team players remain sidelined, some for an extended spell and others potentially for the remainder of the season.

Stefan Bajcetic is still waiting to make his first appearance of the campaign after a frustrating injury cycle that has repeatedly delayed his comeback. Slot revealed in January that the midfielder has struggled to complete sustained first-team training, explaining that the Spaniard “constantly gets close to the team and then he has a little setback.” While the club hopes to reintegrate him soon, Slot stressed the need to manage expectations given Bajcetic has been without consistent first-team training for six to eight months, meaning match fitness will take time even after his return to full sessions.

There has been more definitive news regarding Conor Bradley, who is set to miss the remainder of the season following a significant knee injury suffered against Arsenal on January 8. The Northern Ireland international underwent surgery shortly afterwards and has begun rehabilitation, describing the setback as “a big blow” but vowing to work towards his comeback for both club and country. His absence removes an energetic and increasingly important option from Liverpool’s defensive ranks.

Midfield has also been hit by the loss of Wataru Endo, who was stretchered off during the February 11 victory at Sunderland with a foot injury. Slot confirmed days later that the Japan international will be out “for a long time,” though the precise timeline remains uncertain. Endo’s injury deprives Liverpool of experience and steel in the middle of the park during a pivotal stretch of fixtures.

Up front, Alexander Isak remains sidelined after undergoing ankle surgery in December that included repair of a fibula fracture sustained while scoring against Tottenham Hotspur. Slot has indicated that the forward could return to group training around the March international break, targeting late March or early April for reintegration. However, he cautioned that being back in training does not automatically equate to being ready to start matches, especially after months out of action.

Defender Giovanni Leoni’s season was effectively ended in September when he tore his anterior cruciate ligament during his debut against Southampton in the Carabao Cup. The young centre-back had impressed before the injury and is not expected to feature again in 2025–26, with Slot acknowledging how difficult the setback has been for a player adapting to a new country and league.

There is at least some encouragement surrounding Florian Wirtz, who missed recent fixtures after suffering a back issue during the warm-up at Nottingham Forest. Slot confirmed on March 5 that the German has partially returned to team training and could potentially make a brief appearance in the FA Cup against Wolverhampton Wanderers if his progress continues without setbacks.

With no suspensions currently compounding the injury concerns, Liverpool’s focus remains on carefully managing recoveries and reintegrating players at the right moment. As the business end of the season approaches, the timing of returns, particularly for Wirtz and Isak, could play a decisive role in determining how far Slot’s side can go across multiple competitions.

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