Need to know
As Liverpool prepare to face Marseille in France, Mirror Football takes a look at some vital information ahead of the Champions League clash
MARSEILLE, FRANCE - JANUARY 20: Liverpool head coach Arne Slot speaks during a press conference at Stade de Marseille ahead of the UEFA Champions League match between Marseille and Liverpool in Marseille, France, on January 20, 2026. (Photo by Mustafa Yalcin/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Liverpool manager Arne Slot needs a victory against Marseille(Image: Mustafa Yalcin/Anadolu via Getty Images)
In the current Champions League league phase, Liverpool sit in 7th place and are looking to secure a victory tonight to guarantee an automatic spot in the round of 16. Marseille currently occupy 19th in the 36-team table, making this home fixture crucial for their hopes of remaining in the play-off positions.
Under the management of Roberto De Zerbi, Marseille have maintained a strong presence in the Ligue 1 title race throughout the 2025/26 campaign. Their attacking fluidity has been a hallmark of their season, although tonight's defensive injuries will put their squad depth to a severe test.
Conor Bradley is confirmed to be out for the remainder of the season after sustaining a significant knee injury against Arsenal. He has already undergone surgery for the issue and is not expected to return to action until July 2026.
Alexander Isak is facing a long spell on the sidelines after undergoing surgery for a complex lower leg injury that included a fractured fibula. He sustained the injury in December and is currently expected to be unavailable until at least late March.
Giovanni Leoni is ruled out for the rest of the campaign due to a serious ACL tear suffered during his debut in September. His rehabilitation is being managed carefully, with the club targeting a return in time for the 2026/27 pre-season.
Marseille injuries: Emerson Palmieri - the former West Ham defender has been officially ruled out of tonight’s match after sustaining a lesion to his left thigh during a recent training session. Marseille’s medical staff have not provided a specific timeline for his return, noting it will depend on how the injury evolves.
Derek Cornelius & Ruben Blanco (Marseille): Center-back Derek Cornelius is sidelined with a muscle injury, forcing manager Roberto De Zerbi to reshuffle his defensive line. Goalkeeper Ruben Blanco also remains unavailable for selection as he continues to recover from a knee problem.
Liverpool's Ibrahima Konaté is a major doubt after traveling back to France for personal family reasons rather than an injury.
According to the latest Opta Supercomputer simulations, Liverpool enter the match as favourites with a 48.4% win probability compared to 27.5% for Marseille. Despite Liverpool's injury crisis, the return of Mohamed Salah has been teased by Slot.
Head-to-head decord: Liverpool hold a slight edge in the historical head-to-head record, boasting three wins from their previous six competitive meetings against the Olympians. Their last encounter took place during the 2008/09 Champions League group stage, a match that ended in a narrow 1-0 victory for the Reds at Anfield.