Liverpool have been rocked by a major injury blow that will force Arne Slot into at least one significant change for Sunday’s historic Merseyside derby against Everton — but the Reds are preparing a bombshell lineup twist that Everton will not see coming.
Liverpool Just Dropped a Bombshell Lineup Move! The Everton Never Saw THIS Coming Before Premier League’s Showdown! This is Stunning!
The timing could hardly be more dramatic. Just days after a frustrating Champions League quarter-final second-leg defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, Liverpool travel to the Hill Dickinson Stadium for the first-ever Merseyside derby at Everton’s new home. Kick-off is at 2pm GMT on Sunday, April 19, 2026, with the match live on Sky Sports.
The biggest talking point surrounds a devastating injury to Hugo Ekitike. The Frenchman was stretchered off in the first half against PSG with what has now been confirmed as a ruptured Achilles tendon. He will miss the remainder of the season, dealing a harsh blow to both club and country, as he is also ruled out of the 2026 World Cup with France.
Slot was clearly emotional about the news in his pre-match press conference, describing the situation as “devastating” for the player. The injury forces the Dutch manager into at least one enforced alteration from the side that faced PSG, creating fresh selection dilemmas just when Liverpool need continuity in a high-stakes local showdown.
Salah’s Emotional Farewell Tour Continues
Fortunately for the Reds, one familiar face is ready to step back into the spotlight. Mohamed Salah is expected to start what will be his final-ever appearance in a Merseyside derby. The 33-year-old Egyptian icon has already confirmed he will leave Liverpool at the end of the 2025-26 season, bringing an emotional end to a glittering nine-year chapter at Anfield.
Salah netted in last weekend’s 2-0 Premier League win over Fulham — the first match of his farewell tour — but began on the bench against PSG. He was introduced earlier than planned after Ekitike’s injury and is now tipped to reclaim his place on the right flank.
With his departure confirmed, every outing carries extra weight. Fans and neutrals alike will be watching closely as the Egyptian King bids what could be a poignant goodbye to one of football’s fiercest rivalries.
Isak’s Minutes Carefully Managed
Up front, Alexander Isak is unlikely to start back-to-back games so soon after his return from injury. Slot addressed the situation directly on Friday: “It’s nice to have Alex back, although we also know that he is not ready to play 90 minutes yet.”
That opens the door for Cody Gakpo to lead the line, with the Dutch forward offering a dynamic and versatile option in attack. The decision reflects Slot’s cautious approach to managing Isak’s fitness as Liverpool push for a strong finish to the campaign.
Further Defensive and Goalkeeping Concerns
Additional absences compound the challenge. Joe Gomez has been ruled out, meaning Jeremie Frimpong is set to start at right-back despite being withdrawn at half-time against PSG.
In goal, Alisson Becker will miss a sixth consecutive match through injury, handing a rare opportunity to Giorgi Mamardashvili. The Georgian goalkeeper will make his first appearance in a Merseyside derby — a daunting but exciting prospect on such a charged occasion.
Predicted Lineup Hints at Creative Boldness
Slot’s likely selection shows both pragmatism and attacking intent. A 4-2-3-1 formation is anticipated:
Liverpool predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Mamardashvili; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Gakpo.
Curtis Jones remains an option in midfield, particularly if Slot opts for a more fluid setup with Florian Wirtz operating as a false nine. The inclusion of creative talents like Szoboszlai and Wirtz alongside Salah suggests Liverpool will not sit back despite the midweek exertions and injury concerns.
Other players sidelined include Endo, Bradley, and Leoni, further thinning the squad options.
Historic Venue, Familiar Intensity
This derby carries extra significance as the first at Everton’s sparkling new Hill Dickinson Stadium. Slot acknowledged the occasion in his press conference, noting that the fixture is “always very special” and the new setting only heightens the atmosphere.
Liverpool, as reigning Premier League champions, will travel as favourites in most eyes, but they know Everton are in solid form and eager to make their new home a fortress. Fatigue from the European exertions could play a role, yet Slot insisted it should not be used as an excuse.
The bombshell element? Many expect Slot to unleash a more attacking, fluid setup than the one that struggled to break down PSG — leaning on the experience of Salah, the creativity of Wirtz, and Gakpo’s mobility to catch Everton off guard.
With Salah’s farewell narrative, Ekitike’s absence, and Isak’s managed return all in the mix, this Merseyside derby promises drama, emotion, and tactical intrigue. Everton may think they know what’s coming — but Liverpool’s lineup tweaks could deliver a stunning surprise.
The countdown is on. A historic afternoon awaits.