Liverpool face Crystal Palace at Anfield on Saturday with Arne Slot grappling with a mounting injury list that has already deprived him of several key players. The Reds, fifth in the Premier League, are approaching a demanding run of fixtures against Manchester United, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Brentford, and can ill afford further setbacks.
Forward Hugo Ekitike has undergone surgery after sustaining an Achilles tendon rupture in the Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. The Frenchman is ruled out for the remainder of the season, with reports suggesting he could face nine months on the sidelines. Slot expressed sympathy, saying: "Devastating for him coming to a new club and having so much impact straight away."
Goalkeeper Alisson remains sidelined after his injury last month, though he has indicated he expects to be fully fit by the end of April. However, Slot has suggested the Brazilian may not return until the trip to Manchester United on Sunday week, saying: "Towards the end of the season, we expect him to be fit."
Back-up goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili was carried off during the Merseyside Derby with a knee problem, forcing Freddie Woodman into action. Slot described it as an open wound and not a long-term issue, but reports indicate Mamardashvili could be absent for around three weeks, meaning Woodman is likely to start against Palace.
Defender Giovanni Leoni has been out since September with a ruptured ACL and is not expected to play again this season, while Wataru Endo has been unavailable since undergoing foot surgery in February. Endo is anticipated to return in time to represent Japan.
