Liverpool’s Injury Crisis Deepens
Liverpool’s recent struggles have been compounded by a growing list of injuries, leaving manager Arne Slot with limited options as the club fights for European qualification. The Reds’ 1-0 defeat to Manchester United on Sunday not only cost them a crucial chance to secure a Champions League spot but also highlighted the depth of their injury problems.
Several key players are currently sidelined, and with more absences emerging, the challenge ahead looks increasingly difficult. Here’s a breakdown of the latest injury updates and potential return dates for some of Liverpool’s most important players.
Alexander Isak – Groin Injury
The first major blow came when Alexander Isak was ruled out due to a minor groin injury. Reports suggested he picked up the issue during training, and although it was described as non-serious, it prevented him from featuring in the match against Manchester United.
Arne Slot expressed hope that Isak could return in time for the upcoming clash against Chelsea. He said: “With Alex, it wasn’t much but unfortunately, it was too much for him to be able to play. We are hoping to have him back next week but that is small margins.”
Potential return date: May 9 vs Chelsea (H)
Mohamed Salah – Hamstring Injury
Mohamed Salah has been a key figure for Liverpool this season, but his future at the club is set to end this summer. However, he faced a setback after suffering a hamstring injury in last week’s match against Crystal Palace.
Initial reports suggested he might miss the rest of the season, but a club statement clarified that he is expected to return before the end of the 2024/25 campaign. Slot confirmed: “We expect him indeed to be back in the final part of the season, but not [vs Manchester United].”
Potential return date: May 9 vs Chelsea (H)
Alisson – Hamstring Injury
Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson has been absent since sustaining a hamstring injury earlier in the season. Despite initial hopes that he would return in time for the match against Manchester United, he was left out of the squad.
Slot revealed that Alisson has not yet returned to first-team training, saying: “Alisson hasn’t trained with us yet, so that makes it quite simple. We are hoping for him to be ready next week but we have to wait and see how the week will go.”
Potential return date: May 9 vs Chelsea (H)
Hugo Ekitike – Achilles Rupture
Hugo Ekitike’s debut season at Liverpool has been cut short after he suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon during a match against Paris Saint-Germain. The striker underwent surgery and is expected to be out for around nine months.
Slot said: “The surgery went well. That’s the first important step that he had to make. But I think in such a long rehab process there are so many crucial steps to be made before you can actually say it’s going to take that amount of months or that amount of months. It’s going to take a long time.”
Potential return date: Winter 2026
Giorgi Mamardashvili – Knee Injury
Giorgi Mamardashvili made a rare start in goal after Alisson’s injury, but his performance was cut short due to a knee injury sustained during the Merseyside derby. He was stretchered off after a collision with Beto and is now facing an uncertain recovery.
Slot confirmed: “Giorgi will definitely not be available for tomorrow and also not for the upcoming weeks.” No further updates have been released regarding his condition.
Potential return date: Unknown
Wataru Endo – Ankle Injury
Wataru Endo’s season was ended early after he suffered a serious ankle injury in February. However, he has started individual training and may return before the World Cup.
Slot said: “Wata is starting to go outside, not with the team yet, but starting to do exercises outside on the pitch with the rehab team so he is making steps, but he will not be available next week for [Manchester] United or the week after. But we are hoping and expecting him to be back in the end of the season.”
Conor Bradley – Season-Ending Knee Injury
Conor Bradley’s season was ruined when he suffered a serious knee injury against Arsenal in January. Although he avoided an ACL rupture, he required surgery and will not return until the summer.
Potential return date: August
Giovanni Leoni – ACL Rupture
Giovanni Leoni’s debut season has been a disappointment after he suffered an ACL rupture during a Carabao Cup match against Southampton. He has undergone surgery and is not expected to return until next season.
Slot recently praised Leoni, saying: “If you look at Giovanni Leoni, I don’t know if you once in a while see some Instagram posts from the club, this guy becomes a beast.”
Potential return date: August
