Image Credits: Imago Images
Liverpool face Chelsea this Saturday in an important game that could secure Champions League qualification for Arne Slot’s men.
The Blues arrive at Anfield in genuine freefall, having just been beaten 3-1 at home by Nottingham Forest – a sixth consecutive Premier League defeat – and with Calum McFarlane back in the dugout as interim boss after the dismissal of Liam Rosenior.
Their Champions League qualification hopes are hanging by a thread, and now their squad has been thinned even further. Combine that with Liverpool’s own substantial treatment table, and as many as 13 players could be missing when the two sides meet on Merseyside.
Mohamed Salah – out
Salah was forced off during the 3-1 win over Crystal Palace after feeling something in his hamstring. Egyptian FA director Ibrahim Hassan has publicly suggested the issue could sideline him for around four weeks. However, the Egyptian hinted in interviews over the weekend that he could return before the final game against Brentford.
Hugo Ekitike – out
A brutal end to his debut season. Liverpool confirmed a complete Achilles tendon rupture in the wake of the Champions League exit to PSG. The Frenchman has had successful surgery in London and is now facing a recovery that is likely to extend deep into 2027.
Giorgi Mamardashvili – doubt
The Georgian goalkeeper sustained a serious knee wound in the Merseyside derby after a collision with Beto and was taken straight to hospital. He is expected back before the end of the season.
Alisson Becker – minor doubt
Now seven games into a second hamstring spell of the season, Alisson was working towards a Crystal Palace return that ultimately came too soon.
Conor Bradley – out
The right-back’s campaign ended back in January after picking up a serious multi-ligament knee injury, including ACL damage, against Arsenal. Surgery followed and he will not play again this season.
Wataru Endo – out
Out since early February with ankle ligament damage, with the Japan international now focused on returning in time for the World Cup with his country.
Giovanni Leoni – Out
The young Italian defender ruptured his ACL in September and underwent surgery. He is not expected back before the season closes.
Jesse Derry – out
The 18-year-old debutant was knocked unconscious in a sickening front-on collision with Forest’s Zach Abbott, stretchered off and rushed to hospital. He was later confirmed “conscious and talking” but, having needed stitches and concussion management, will not be involved at Anfield.
Robert Sanchez – doubt
The goalkeeper took a heavy blow to the head in a clash with Morgan Gibbs-White and finished the match stitched up but on the pitch. He must now pass FA return-to-play protocol checks during the week. Any sign of concussion symptoms and Filip Jorgensen – who has started just two league games all season – will likely deputise.
Pedro Neto – doubt
Missed the Forest defeat with a knock and is yet to be cleared for a return.
Alejandro Garnacho – doubt
Also absent against Forest with a knock, with his availability for Anfield still uncertain.
Estevao – out
Already ruled out of the trip to Merseyside and the rest of the season with a hamstring issue.
Jamie Gittens – out
Likewise already ruled out for the rest of the season with a hamstring tear.