Liverpool's hopes of securing Champions League qualification suffered a setback after a frustrating draw with Chelsea at the weekend. The match, decided by a stunning strike from Ryan Gravenberch and a peculiar free kick from Enzo Fernandez, highlighted the team's lack of firepower up front, with Alexander Isak returning from the bench to little impact.
With a crucial clash against Aston Villa looming on Friday, Liverpool are hoping for a double boost with the potential return of Mohamed Salah and Alisson. Salah has been sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained against Crystal Palace last month, but manager Arne Slot confirmed he is 'very, very close' to returning to training and could feature for 'a few minutes' at Villa Park.
Alisson, who has missed nine consecutive matches with a hamstring problem, has now returned to training. Slot stated, 'Alisson trained with us, let's see where he is,' suggesting the Brazilian goalkeeper could also be in contention for the upcoming fixture.
However, Liverpool's injury woes extend beyond these two key players. Forward Hugo Ekitike is out for months after rupturing his Achilles tendon against Paris Saint-Germain, while midfielder Wataru Endo is making progress from a serious ankle injury but remains weeks away from a return. Defender Conor Bradley is sidelined for the season following knee surgery, and young centre-back Giovanni Leoni is not expected back until next season after an ACL rupture.
