Liverpool manager Arne Slot is grappling with a significant injury headache as his squad prepares for a crucial New Year's Day Premier League encounter against Leeds United. Despite a welcome return to form that has propelled the Reds back into the top four, Slot's resources are being stretched thin by a combination of injuries and international duty.
Festive Fixture Fallout: Key Returns and Major Absences
The Reds have managed to navigate a hectic festive schedule successfully, remaining unbeaten in the league since late November. Their latest result, a 2-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers, was secured with goals from Ryan Gravenberch and Florian Wirtz. Slot received a timely boost with the return to the squad of defender Conor Bradley and forward Cody Gakpo from their respective injuries.
Furthermore, Dominik Szoboszlai is available again after serving a suspension. However, these returns are offset by the continued absence of star forward Mohamed Salah, who is representing Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations. The challenge is compounded as Liverpool face a Leeds side that held them to a thrilling 3-3 draw at Elland Road earlier this month.
Detailed Liverpool Injury List and Expected Return Dates
The treatment room at the AXA Training Centre remains busy. Here is the latest update on the players currently sidelined.
Alexander Isak (Ankle): The club-record signing suffered a major blow during the win over Tottenham Hotspur, lasting just 11 minutes before being forced off. Manager Arne Slot confirmed the striker faces a lengthy spell out, stating, "It's going to be a long injury. A couple of months." Isak, who had begun to find his scoring touch with goals against West Ham and Spurs, is not expected back until Spring 2026.
Wataru Endo (Ankle): The Japanese international is nursing a minor ankle issue that has seen him miss recent matches. There is a possibility he could be in contention for the Leeds game, with a potential return date of January 1.
Joe Gomez (Muscular): The defender picked up a muscle problem in the match against Brighton & Hove Albion earlier in December. The issue is not believed to be serious, and like Endo, there is hope he could feature against Leeds United on New Year's Day.
Giovanni Leoni (Knee): The young defender's season was cruelly cut short by an ACL injury suffered early in the campaign. This type of injury typically requires a recovery period of around nine to twelve months, effectively ruling him out for the remainder of the season. Slot indicated a return during pre-season in 2026 is the target, calling the situation "very hard to take" for the promising talent.
Implications for Liverpool's Top-Four Push
Navigating this injury crisis will be critical to Liverpool's ambitions of securing a Champions League place for next season. The absence of a prolific scorer like Alexander Isak, coupled with Salah's international commitment, places a heavy burden on the remaining attacking options, including the returning Cody Gakpo.
The potential availability of Endo and Gomez would provide much-needed depth in midfield and defence for a packed January schedule. Arne Slot's ability to manage his squad through this period, starting with the tough test against Leeds United, could define the second half of Liverpool's Premier League campaign.
