Liverpool fans have been eagerly awaiting positive news on the injury front as the Reds gear up for a crucial run of fixtures in the Premier League and beyond. With Arne Slot at the helm, the team has faced a challenging period marked by a recent 3-0 defeat to Manchester City, which left them eight points adrift of league leaders Arsenal. Amid the setbacks, including a disallowed goal for Virgil van Dijk in that match, there’s optimism brewing at Anfield with key players nearing returns.
The international break provided a much-needed pause, and while the team welcomed back Alexander Isak from a groin injury—he missed four games but featured for Sweden in their 4-1 loss to Switzerland—attention now turns to the longer-term absentees. Liverpool are close to a full squad as they prepare to host Nottingham Forest this weekend, but injuries to star goalkeeper Alisson Becker, summer signing Jeremie Frimpong, and young defender Giovanni Leoni have tested the squad’s depth.
Here’s the latest on Liverpool’s injury situation, focusing on these three key figures, including updates from Slot and expected return timelines.
Alisson Becker: Set for Imminent Return
Liverpool’s Brazilian shot-stopper has been sidelined since September 30, 2025, after suffering an injury during the 1-0 Champions League defeat to Galatasaray. Alisson limped off the pitch and has missed the subsequent eight games across all competitions, as well as Brazil’s recent international duties.
The absence of the undisputed No. 1 has seen Giorgi Mamardashvili step up admirably, but fans will be thrilled to hear that Alisson is back in full training. Arne Slot has pencilled in the Nottingham Forest clash as the target for his return, and it’s expected he’ll reclaim his spot between the posts.
In his pre-Manchester City press conference, Slot confirmed: “Alisson for sure [will be back].” This boost couldn’t come at a better time as Liverpool look to reignite their title challenge.
Potential return date: November 22, 2025 vs Nottingham Forest (H)
Jeremie Frimpong: Recovery on Track but Patience Required
The dynamic Dutch wing-back, who joined Liverpool in the summer transfer window, has been out since October 22, 2025, after limping off just 19 minutes into the Reds’ dominant 5-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League.
Initial assessments suggested a recovery period of up to six weeks, pointing towards an early December comeback. Slot provided a measured update ahead of the City game, stating: “I expect Jeremie [Frimpong] back after the international break as well because we play from November until March! But I don’t expect Jeremie to be fully fit for Forest, but with Alisson we expect this.”
Frimpong’s explosive pace and attacking flair have been missed, but the focus remains on ensuring a full recovery to avoid any setbacks during a packed schedule.
Potential return date: December 2025
Giovanni Leoni: Long Road Ahead for Young Talent
In a heartbreaking blow, 18-year-old centre-back Giovanni Leoni is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after sustaining a serious knee injury on his Anfield debut. The incident occurred during Liverpool’s 2-1 Carabao Cup third-round win over Southampton, where Leoni landed awkwardly following a late challenge and was stretchered off.
Subsequent scans confirmed an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear, ruling him out for approximately a year. Slot addressed the situation with empathy: “He’s not in a good place, of course. He tore his ACL which means that he will be out for around a year. Being so young, coming to a new country, playing so well in your first game, it’s very hard to take the positives. You always try to look at the positive side and that is that he is still so young. He still has so many years to go after he recovers from a terrible injury like that.”
Leoni’s potential was evident in his brief appearance, and while his absence is a setback for squad depth, the club is committed to supporting his rehabilitation.
Potential return date: Late 2026
As Liverpool approach the festive period and a demanding fixture list, these updates provide a mix of immediate relief and long-term challenges. With Alisson’s return on the horizon, Slot’s side could regain their rhythm against Forest, but the loss of Frimpong and Leoni underscores the importance of squad rotation. Stay tuned for more developments from Anfield as the Reds aim to close the gap on Arsenal and push for silverware on multiple fronts.