Liverpool still have a number of absentees ahead of the visit of Leeds United to Anfield on New Year’s Day
Liverpool will welcome back Dominik Szoboszlai from suspension when they host Leeds United on New Year’s Day. However, Arne Slot will still be without the services of a number of senior players for the Reds’ first game of 2026.
The Dutchman has been forced to name a rather inexperienced bench in recent weeks, with teenagers Rio Ngumoha, Trey Nyoni and Wellity Lucky joining the likes of Calvin Ramsay and Freddie Woodman in helping make up numbers.
While Liverpool welcomed back Cody Gakpo from injury for their victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend, and Conor Bradley was also passed fit to take his place on the bench despite being forced off against Tottenham Hotspur the week before, Slot’s numbers remain depleted.
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Consequently, the Reds head coach looks set to be without five senior players for the visit of Leeds to Anfield on Thursday.
Giovanni Leoni remains out for the season after undergoing surgery on the ACL injury suffered on his debut back in September, while Alexander Isak is also a long-term absentee after fracturing his leg while scoring against Spurs earlier this month.
Liverpool are also without Mohamed Salah for at least two more matches after he helped Egypt reach the knockout stages of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Elsewhere, Wataru Endo remains a doubt after missing the Reds’ last four matches with an ankle injury. He was pictured in the gym on Tuesday along with his team-mates, but did not appear to take part in the team session out on the grass.
Joe Gomez was also not spotted, having sat out Liverpool’s last two games after suffering a hamstring injury in the victory over Brighton & Hove Albion earlier this month.
Florian Wirtz was also not pictured taking part in team training, with the reason for his absence unclear.
The German was at least spotted in the canteen in his training wearwith his lack of involvement in team training not necessarily a sign that he is a doubt to face Leeds.
After all, Ibrahima Konate was not pictured in team training on two occasions last week, but still started against Wolves.
However, the Frenchman will have to serve a one-match suspension if he is issued with his fifth Premier League booking of the season against Leeds.
The likes of youngsters Stefan Bajcetic, Jayden Danns (both hamstring) and Kaide Gordon (meniscus) are also still sidelined because of injury.
