Liverpool head into Friday night’s high-stakes encounter at Villa Park with their squad depth pushed to the absolute limit. As Arne Slot prepares to face an Aston Villa side they could effectively leapfrog in the standings with a victory, the Reds are sweating over the fitness of up to thirteen players.
With a major squad update expected during Thursday morning’s press conference, the medical room at Kirby is currently at maximum capacity.
The Big Question: Will Alisson and Salah Return?
The most significant talking points revolve around two of Liverpool’s most vital pillars:
- Alisson Becker: The Brazilian shot-stopper has missed the last nine fixtures with a recurring hamstring problem. While Giorgi Mamardashvili is prepared to start again following his own recent injury scare, fans are desperate for the return of the world’s No. 1.
- Mohamed Salah: The Egyptian talisman has been absent for the last two outings with a minor hamstring strain. Slot is hopeful that Salah will pass a late fitness test to lead the line on Friday.
Fresh Blows and Infections
Saturday’s gritty 1-1 draw with Chelsea left the squad even thinner. Florian Wirtz was a surprise late scratch from that match due to a stomach infection; however, the club is optimistic that the German playmaker will recover in time for the trip to the Midlands.
In the defensive third, Ibrahima Konate and young sensation Rio Ngumoha both limped off the pitch during the Chelsea clash. While Slot initially attributed the withdrawals to severe cramping, the medical staff will be monitoring both closely to ensure no underlying muscular damage was sustained.
Long-Term Absentees
While some are nearing a return, several key names remain firmly out of contention for the 2025-26 campaign:
- Hugo Ekitike: Recovering from Achilles surgery following a rupture against PSG.
- Conor Bradley: Sidelined until the summer following a knee operation in January.
- Giovanni Leoni: Continuing a lengthy rehabilitation process after ACL surgery in September.
- Wataru Endo: Nearing a return to full training after an ankle operation in February, though Villa likely comes too soon.
The Opposition: Villa’s Own Struggles
Unai Emery is facing a selection headache of his own. Aston Villa will be without Boubacar Kamara for the remainder of the season, while Amadou Onana and Alysson are expected to miss out. Furthermore, on-loan midfielder Harvey Elliott is ineligible to feature against his parent club.
With both teams missing significant pieces, Friday night’s clash will likely be decided by which manager can best navigate their depleted resources. For Slot, a victory would not only secure league position but serve as a testament to the resilience of a squad that has been battered by misfortune all spring.
LIVERPOOL AVAILABILITY TRACKER
- Doubtful: Alisson Becker, Mohamed Salah, Florian Wirtz.
- Monitoring: Ibrahima Konate, Rio Ngumoha.
- Out: Hugo Ekitike, Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni, Wataru Endo, Stefan Bajcetic, Jayden Danns.
- Suspended/Ineligible: N/A.
