Liverpool will face Manchester City in the FA Cup quarter-final on Saturday, 4 April with several first-team players unavailable due to injury.
Manager Arne Slot has provided updates on the squad’s fitness, giving fans a clear picture of who will be missing.
Stefan Bajcetic has yet to play this season after a lengthy injury layoff. Slot said: “He’s not training yet. He gets close to the team, then has a little setback. We hope to have him very soon, but we have to manage expectations as he has been out for six, seven, eight months without first-team training.”
Alisson Becker missed the Premier League defeat at Brighton and will not feature for Brazil during the upcoming internationals. Slot confirmed: “Alisson will definitely be out during the international break and let’s see afterwards.”
Conor Bradley will miss the rest of the season following knee surgery sustained against Arsenal on 8 January. Bradley said: “A big blow but surgery is done so the comeback starts now. I already can’t wait to get back playing for Liverpool FC and Northern Ireland.”
Federico Chiesa appeared as a substitute at Brighton but has withdrawn from Italy’s squad for March fixtures. The Italy national team said on 23 March: “He was deemed unavailable for the next two matches and, in agreement with the club, left the training camp.”
Hugo Ekitike suffered a dead leg at Brighton but Slot believes he could play if needed: “Hugo, I think he could play tomorrow if he needed to.”
Wataru Endo is out long-term after a foot injury against Sunderland. Slot added: “Wata will be out for a long time. We don’t know exactly how long – but long.”
Alexander Isak continues rehabilitation following ankle surgery in December. Slot said recently: “He will not be available for Saturday. As long as you don’t train with the team yet, you are not ready to play.”
Giovanni Leoni remains sidelined after an ACL tear in September and will not play this season. Slot reflected: “Being so young and coming to a new country, it’s very hard to take the positive side. But he has so many years still to go after he recovers.”
Mohamed Salah picked up a muscle injury against Galatasaray. Slot said on 20 March: “He’s not available for tomorrow. We are hoping he can recover faster than others because he takes such good care of his body.”
Liverpool will aim to navigate these absences as they face Manchester City in the FA Cup, with no players currently suspended.
