Image Credits: Imago Images
Arne Slot will hope Liverpool have turned a corner heading into 2026, with Leeds United posing the first test on New Year’s Day at Anfield. The defending champions have struggled for consistency during the 2025–26 campaign but arrive on the back of three consecutive Premier League wins. Victories over Brighton, Tottenham and Wolves match the total they managed in the previous 10 games combined.
Liverpool edged Wolves 2-1 last time out, with goals from Ryan Gravenberch and Florian Wirtz. However, they were far from convincing, needing to hold on after Santiago Bueno pulled one back. A further win would boost hopes of closing the gap on the top three, with Liverpool currently fourth, seven points behind Aston Villa and 10 adrift of leaders Arsenal.
Leeds, though, will not be easy opponents. Daniel Farke’s side sit 16th and are seven points clear of the relegation zone after a 1-1 draw away to Sunderland, extending their unbeaten league run to five matches. Speaking ahead of the trip to Anfield, Farke confirmed Joe Rodon’s fitness will be assessed after he was forced off last time out, while Daniel James and Sean Longstaff continue their recovery towards full fitness.
“Yes, he will definitely miss the Liverpool game,” the German said on the Wales international. “The diagnosis is better than we were fearing straight after the game because it didn’t look really good. But the assessment is it is an ankle ligament injury and normally, yeah, you will be out with such an injury for around three weeks. We still have a bit of hope because normally he is a good healer and also a strong boy. So perhaps there is a chance to involve him even before.
“But at the moment, I would say it is realistic that he will miss the games, including also the FA Cup game. And then hopefully on the other side of the FA Cup game, we have him then pretty soon back available for the games.” Aside from Rodon and the two long-term absentees, Farke has a full squad available for the trip to Merseyside. “No new injuries and also our long-term injuries with Daniel James and Sean Longstaff, they need a bit more time to recover,” he added.
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