Liverpool loses multiple key players ahead of the big clash with Real Madrid

With the fixture list becoming increasingly packed, Liverpool manager Arne Slot is undoubtedly troubled by the absence of numerous players who have yet to recover.

Liverpool recently escaped a crisis by securing a 2-0 victory over Aston Villa, ending a streak of four consecutive Premier League defeats and reclaiming third place in the standings. However, Arne Slot’s smile remains incomplete as the Reds confront a series of injuries in key positions, especially with a brutal upcoming schedule featuring two high-profile matches against Real Madrid and Manchester City.

The expensive new signing Alexander Isak is causing concern among Liverpool fans as he has yet to make a comeback. The Swedish forward suffered a groin injury in the 5-1 Champions League win against Frankfurt and has since missed matches against Brentford, Crystal Palace, and Aston Villa. Arne Slot revealed that Isak still experiences mild pain and has not reached full fitness after a three-month break, so his return date remains uncertain.

Jeremie Frimpong’s situation is also worrying. The Dutch right-back, one of Liverpool’s two major summer signings, injured his hamstring during his debut against Bournemouth and recently suffered a recurrence of the same injury in the Frankfurt match. Medical assessments indicate Frimpong will be sidelined for at least six weeks, meaning he will miss important upcoming fixtures including games against Real Madrid, Manchester City, Nottingham Forest, PSV Eindhoven, and West Ham.

Meanwhile, Curtis Jones, one of the few midfielders still fit, also faced issues after having to leave the field midway through the Brentford match. Although Arne Slot stated the injury is not too serious, the English player has missed the last two games and his return date remains unclear.

Liverpool’s greatest hope currently lies with their number one goalkeeper, Alisson Becker. The Brazilian star sustained a hamstring injury in September during the match against Galatasaray, and according to coach Slot, he still requires more time to recover. Alisson is expected to return in November, just in time for a crucial phase of the season.

In addition, young defender Giovanni Leoni, who impressed during his debut against Southampton, will be out long-term until 2026 after being diagnosed with a torn anterior cruciate ligament and undergoing successful surgery.

Despite facing a lengthy injury list, Liverpool’s convincing win over Aston Villa demonstrates that the team still retains the spirit of champions. However, to maintain their position in the title race and prepare for the two upcoming major matches, Arne Slot will need to manage resources carefully and hope key players recover quickly to steer the team back onto a winning path.