Six first-team players could be absent for Liverpool against Brighton, with Arne Slot hinting that he may continue to play two up front.
It is still unknown whether Mo Salah will be involved at Anfield, with his availability depending on talks with Slot at the AXA Training Centre on Friday.
The outcome of their conversation could decide how the coach decides to set his team up against Brighton, with the Reds now unbeaten in four matches.
Here’s how Liverpool could line up.
Team news
Here are Liverpool’s potential absentees and Slot’s updates:
Liverpool’s XI vs. Brighton
LEEDS, ENGLAND - Saturday, December 6, 2025: Liverpool's Hugo Ekitike celebrates after scoring the first goal during the FA Premier League match between Leeds United FC and Liverpool FC at Elland Road. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Having played together for just the second time this season at San Siro, Slot could keep Isak and Hugo Ekitike as he looks to build on Tuesday’s win in the Champions League.
“I also saw promising things from the both of them; it’s been the second time they’ve played together for obvious reasons, because match fitness is the obvious reason in that,” the head coach said.
“I think we will see more of this in the future, of them playing together.”
Of course, this relies on Isak being fit, but it would also allow Florian Wirtz to play as an attacking midfielder again having looked good from the bench against Inter.
Playing a diamond midfield would also mean a simplified role for Ryan Gravenberch, as he needs to focus on screening the back four and worry less about making runs beyond the ball.
Here are Slot’s likely selection options if Isak is fit:
Ekitike and Isak start together for just the third time at Liverpool
Joe Gomez retains his place at right-back due to Bradley’s suspension
Milos Kerkez comes back in at left-back after sitting on the bench in midweek
This is how Liverpool would line up:
Alisson; Gomez, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Jones, Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Ekitike, Isak
The alternative scenario, in which Isak is absent and Salah returns, could see Slot return to a 4-2-3-1.
Ideally, Wirtz would play as the No. 10 in this formation, but Cody Gakpo‘s injury and the coach’s general refusal to start Chiesa in the league could mean the German plays off the left.
Meanwhile, two from Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister and Curtis Jones would start in midfield, one playing further forward than the other who will sit with Gravenberch.
Here’s how this alternate team would look:
Alisson; Gomez, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Ekitike
As ever, Liverpool have the better side on paper but Brighton are actually above Liverpool on goal difference.
For many, the 4-diamond-2 formation deployed against Inter worked well as it suited the players on the pitch.
However, Slot may prefer to have his attackers wider at home, though this very much depends on Salah’s whereabouts.