Liverpool fans are bracing for a crucial Premier League clash against Manchester City this Sunday at Anfield, but head coach Arne Slot will have to navigate the fixture without four key players due to injuries. Defender Joe Gomez offers a glimmer of hope with a potential return to the matchday squad, while updates on Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley highlight ongoing concerns in the Reds’ camp.
Joe Gomez: Potential Bench Role Against City
Joe Gomez has been absent since suffering a groin injury in a collision with goalkeeper Alisson Becker during the match at Bournemouth. With Ibrahima Konate now back in contention, Gomez is edging closer to a comeback. Slot confirmed that Gomez might train on Saturday and, while not ready to start, could be available off the bench for the visit of Manchester City.
Possible return date: February 8, 2026 (vs. Manchester City, bench appearance possible).
.Jeremie Frimpong: Several Weeks Out
The dynamic wing-back Jeremie Frimpong sustained an injury during Liverpool’s Champions League encounter with Qarabag, and the latest reports indicate he could be sidelined for several more weeks. Slot emphasized that Frimpong won’t train this week and is ruled out for the weekend clash. No precise timeline has been set, leaving fans anxious about his absence in a demanding schedule.
Possible return date: Mid-to-late March 2026 (estimated, pending further assessments).
Conor Bradley: Long-Term Absence Looms
Conor Bradley’s season has been derailed by a severe knee injury picked up against Arsenal last month. Slot has confirmed that Bradley is out for the remainder of the campaign, with speculation suggesting a possible extension into 2027. However, sources indicate this is not the current expectation, though rehabilitation could take around a year based on expert analysis.
Possible return date: Early 2027 (potential, but unconfirmed; out for 2025-26 season).
.Alexander Isak: Months on the Sidelines
Striker Alexander Isak has endured a frustrating season, battling fitness issues before suffering a leg fracture. He remains a long-term absentee, with Slot confirming he will be out for months. No specific return date has been provided, adding to Liverpool’s attacking depth concerns.
Possible return date: April/May 2026 (estimated).
Giovanni Leoni: Season Over
Young defender Giovanni Leoni’s debut was marred by a knee injury that has ruled him out for the entire season. Slot reiterated that Leoni is among the long-term absentees, with no return expected until next campaign.
Possible return date: Pre-season 2026-27.
Other Injury Notes
Liverpool’s injury woes extend beyond the four confirmed absentees for Sunday. Stefan Bajcetic and Jayden Danns are also recovering, with Bajcetic yet to feature this season and Danns not expected back imminently.
Arne Slot’s Pre-Match Thoughts
Speaking ahead of the high-stakes encounter with Manchester City, Slot reflected on the reverse fixture and the challenges ahead: “Well, I mean [what] you remember is that (the reverse fixture was) a game we played over there in the first half we were completely outplayed for large parts, not for a complete 45 minutes, but for large parts.”
He added: “It’s another moment for us to see where we are in the development of this team. That, of course, being said, we also know the importance of a result on Sunday but that goes for all the 20 teams that are playing this weekend in the Premier League.
“It’s the end phase of the season so results matter more and more. [They are] a very good team that were even able to win yesterday against the team [Newcastle United] that we beat during the weekend not even with their starters.
“That tells you combined with the game we played against them what a force City still is and always will be.
“I think off the ball we were really good [against Newcastle]. The third we scored came from a high press and a very good transition moment. We had a few very good transition moments.
“I see also individual performances that are getting better and better and better, because these players are getting fitter and fitter and fitter and are adjusting more and more towards Premier League, Champions League amount of games.
“We are going to a week where we have to, again, play three games in seven days, and not the most simple ones. It wasn’t as if we had a very easy FA Cup draw. So, three strong teams to face in seven days again. That is another challenge that we are facing this week.”
Despite the setbacks, Slot remains optimistic about his squad’s progress amid a grueling fixture list. Liverpool will need to dig deep to maintain their title challenge without these key figures. Stay tuned for more updates from Anfield as the Reds prepare for a pivotal showdown.