Liverpool’s injury concerns remain a central talking point as Arne Slot’s side heads into the final stretch of the 2025/26 Premier League season. Following a disappointing 4-2 defeat to Aston Villa, the Reds are still battling to secure a Champions League spot, with several key players either sidelined or returning from fitness issues.
Alexander Isak: Cautious Approach Continues
One of the biggest absences against Aston Villa was star striker Alexander Isak. The £125 million signing did not feature in the matchday squad and continues to be managed carefully after a challenging campaign.
Slot provided a clear update on Friday: “Indeed, Alex is out – minor injury. I think it’s something we all understand. If you miss pre-season, then suffer a broken leg, when you are coming back, we’ve been really careful with him.”
Isak made a brief 23-minute cameo off the bench against Chelsea the previous weekend, replacing young Rio Ngumoha in a substitution that drew criticism at the time. Ngumoha, who had come off with cramp against Chelsea, responded positively by completing 90 minutes against Villa.
Analytical outlook: Isak could be available for the final game of the season against Brentford. Given his pedigree and Liverpool’s need for firepower in a potential must-win fixture, his return would be a significant boost—provided the club avoids any risk of aggravating the issue.
Goalkeeper Situation: Alisson Nearing Return
Alisson Becker has been absent since mid-March, when he last featured in Liverpool’s 4-0 win over Galatasaray. The Brazilian goalkeeper has resumed training, offering hope for a timely comeback.
Ahead of the Villa match, Slot noted: “Alisson trained with us again, let’s see tomorrow whether he is ready or has to wait one more week.”
With backup Giorgi Mamardashvili struggling at Villa Park, Alisson’s leadership and shot-stopping ability could provide much-needed stability in goal for the season finale at Anfield.
Positive Returns and Lingering Concerns
There was better news on the attacking front. Mohamed Salah made his return from injury sustained against Crystal Palace, meaning he should be fit for what could be his final appearance for the club at Anfield next Sunday. Florian Wirtz also featured at Villa Park after missing the Manchester United defeat, adding creativity and dynamism to the midfield.
However, not all updates were encouraging. Jeremie Frimpong missed the Villa game with a suspected muscular injury. Long-term absentees Hugo Ekitike, Giovanni Leoni, Wataru Endo, and Conor Bradley remain sidelined. Slot highlighted the uncertainty surrounding Bradley’s recovery: “In rehab, it’s always important whether certain steps go well or don’t go well… he is quite far away from going outside… that makes it quite complicated to tell how long it is going to take.”
Young talents Jayden Danns and Stefan Bajcetic are also out for an extended period, with Slot tempering expectations for Danns’ immediate first-team involvement despite his return to U21 action.
What It Means for Liverpool’s Final Push
The final Premier League match against Brentford carries high stakes. Results elsewhere involving Bournemouth and Brighton could turn it into a must-win encounter for Champions League qualification.
Slot will undoubtedly welcome the potential availability of Isak, Alisson, Salah, and Wirtz. Their collective fitness could transform Liverpool’s performance from the frustrations seen at Villa Park into a strong, confident send-off at Anfield.
In summary, while Liverpool’s injury list has tested squad depth throughout the season, the light at the end of the tunnel is visible. Careful management of Isak and a possible Alisson return could prove decisive. As the campaign reaches its climax, Slot’s ability to integrate returning stars while protecting others will be key to ending the season on a high.