Liverpool Faces Crucial Test Against PSG Amid Injuries and Challenges
Liverpool is set to face a challenging match against European champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) as the team grapples with a series of injuries and a difficult period under head coach Arne Slot. The Reds have only managed one win in their last five games across all competitions, and their recent 4-0 defeat at Manchester City in the FA Cup has left many questioning the team’s performance.
Captain Virgil van Dijk expressed concerns about the team’s fighting spirit after the loss, raising questions about whether Slot will make changes for the upcoming match. As the season approaches its conclusion, the injury list for Liverpool has become a critical factor in shaping the team’s strategy.
Key Injuries and Return Dates
Alexander Isak
- Injury: Broken leg
- Expected Return Date: April 7 (vs. PSG)
Isak, who struggled to make an impact during his early months at Anfield, suffered a broken leg while scoring the opening goal in Liverpool’s win over Tottenham on December 23. He has been training outdoors in late February but hasn’t yet returned to full team sessions. Slot confirmed that Isak could play a part in the upcoming match if he continues to progress.
Alisson
- Injury: Hamstring
- Expected Return Date: April 19 (vs. Everton)
The first-choice goalkeeper missed the match against Brighton before the international break and is expected to be out for several weeks. Slot confirmed that Alisson will miss both legs of the Champions League tie against PSG and may not return until the end of the season. His potential return is set for the Everton match, depending on his recovery.
Wataru Endo
- Injury: Broken foot
- Expected Return Date: May
Endo required oxygen on the pitch and was carried off on a stretcher during the Sunderland game. The Japan captain suffered a serious injury to his left foot or ankle, which is likely to keep him out for a long time. If it is indeed a broken foot, Endo may miss most of the remainder of the season but could be available for the World Cup this summer.
Conor Bradley
- Injury: Knee
- Expected Return Date: August 2026
Bradley sustained a significant knee injury during a draw at Emirates Stadium. He required surgery and will miss the rest of the season due to bone and ligament damage.
Giovanni Leoni
- Injury: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear
- Expected Return Date: August 2026
The summer signing suffered a nightmare debut after tearing his ACL against Southampton. Leoni underwent immediate surgery, ending his campaign prematurely.
Stefan Bajcetic
- Injury: Hamstring
- Expected Return Date: May 2026
Bajcetic has been sidelined since January due to a hamstring injury requiring surgery. While there are hopes for his return in the 2025/26 season, Slot has cautioned against high expectations.
Suspensions and Lineup Considerations
Players such as Ryan Gravenberch, Curtis Jones, and Virgil van Dijk will be ruled out of the second leg of the Champions League quarterfinal if they receive a booking in Paris. This adds another layer of complexity to the team’s selection process.
Predicted Lineup vs. PSG
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Goalkeeper: Mamardashvili
- Defenders: Gomez, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez
- Midfielders: Mac Allister, Gravenberch
- Forwards: Salah, Szoboszlai, Wirtz
- Striker: Ekitike
Upcoming Fixtures
- PSG vs. Liverpool | Champions League quarterfinal, first leg | Wednesday, April 8
- Liverpool vs. Fulham | Premier League | Saturday, April 11
- Liverpool vs. PSG | Champions League quarterfinal, second leg | Tuesday, April 14
- Everton vs. Liverpool | Premier League | Sunday, April 19
- Liverpool vs. Crystal Palace | Premier League | Saturday, April 25
As Liverpool prepares for the crucial matches ahead, managing the injury list and ensuring player availability will be key to their success in the remaining games of the season.
