Image Credits: Imago Images
Liverpool travel to the hostile Orange Vélodrome on Wednesday night for the 6th league-phase Champions League fixture, knowing they only need one point to confirm a place in the Champions League knockout phase.
Marseille, meanwhile, occupy 16th position with nine points and are targeting a third consecutive European victory—something they have not achieved since 2010-11. Roberto De Zerbi’s possession-heavy system has produced captivating football at the Vélodrome this season, but inconsistency has plagued their campaign. Fresh from a dominant 5-2 win over Angers at the weekend, Les Olympiens will be tough opposition.
Ahead of the game, both sides have some injury issues to contend with:
Conor Bradley – out
The Liverpool right-back is out for the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery on a serious knee injury sustained against Arsenal on January 8.
Alexander Isak – out
The club-record signing faces an extended spell on the sidelines after undergoing surgery on a complex fibula fracture. He is not expected to return until at least April, with Arne Slot optimistic that the Swede could yet play again this season.
Giovanni Leoni – out
The young centre-back remains unavailable after suffering an ACL tear on his debut against Southampton in September 2025. Leoni is not expected to return until next season
Mohamed Salah – doubt
The 33-year-old is due back at Merseyside after Egypt’s disappointing AFCON campaign ended with a penalty shootout defeat to Nigeria in the third-place play-off. Arne Slot confirmed last week that discussions were ongoing regarding Salah’s availability for the Marseille fixture. However, with no update it seems that the Champions League clash has come to soon, with Bournemouth this coming Saturday a more realistic return date.
Marseille
Derek Cornelius – out
Marseille’s first-choice left-sided centre-back has been ruled out of the Liverpool match with a muscle injury. Cornelius’ absence forces De Zerbi into a defensive reshuffle, either through a change of formation or by pairing Geoffrey Kondogbia or another less-tested option alongside Leonardo Balerdi.
Ruben Blanco – out
The Spanish goalkeeper is sidelined with a knee problem and will miss Wednesday’s fixture, although he is not the first choice for the Italian manager.
Bilal Nadir – doubt
The midfielder was forced off late in Marseille’s weekend fixture against Angers, but the knock is not believed to be serious. De Zerbi has quality alternatives in Arthur Vermeeren, Ángel Gomes and Matt O’Riley should the coaching staff opt for caution and rest Nadir from the start.
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