Alexander Isak and Jeremie Frimpong were notable absentees from Liverpool’s squad against Aston Villa, adding to their growing total of games missed this season.
Arne Slot made one change for the trip to Villa Park, with Joe Gomez replacing Frimpong. Curtis Jones is, therefore, expected to move into midfield with Dominik Szoboszlai on the wing.
The change was enforced, with Frimpong left out of the matchday squad along with Isak.
According to Merseyside reporters, including the *Liverpool Echo*‘s Ian Doyle, the pair “have minor issues” but should be available against Brentford next week.
Ahead of the match, Slot told Sky Sports: “Indeed, Alex is out, [a] minor injury.
“I think it’s something we all understand, if you miss pre-season, if you then have a broken leg, when you are coming back we’ve been really careful with him.”
It is the second time in the last three matches that Isak has been forced to miss out, with the Swede succumbing to a groin issue before the trip to Old Trafford.
Isak has now missed 28 games this season, primarily due to his leg break in December, while Frimpong has been absent for 19.
Liverpool also remain without Alisson for the 10th consecutive match, with the goalkeeper struggling to prove his fitness after Slot explained he has been “close” to a return for a number of weeks.
Thankfully, the Reds have welcomed Mohamed Salah (hamstring) and Florian Wirtz (stomach infection) back into the squad at Villa Park, with the pair an option off the bench.
On their presence on the bench, Slot said: “It’s very nice to have them back, although ideally you are able to start them. But that’s not possible yet.
“I have to give Mo a lot of compliments how fast he is back, because that’s not always a given with the injury he picked up. He worked really hard to be back.
“The same can be said about Flo. Happy that they are here to help the team if needed.”
James McConnell was also a surprise inclusion on the bench, having last been named in a squad in April 2025.