Injury Concerns Mount as Liverpool Prepare for Crucial Merseyside Derby | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Injury Puzzle as Title Race Intensifies

Merseyside Derby Looms Large

As Liverpool prepare for the season-defining stretch of their Premier League campaign, injuries are the unwanted subplot dominating the narrative at Anfield. With Everton set to cross Stanley Park on Wednesday evening, the focus is not just on the derby but on who will be fit enough to feature in it.

Arne Slot’s side return to action after nearly two-and-a-half weeks without a competitive fixture – a pause marked by the twin blows of their Carabao Cup final defeat to Newcastle and their heart-wrenching Champions League exit to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties. The enforced break, due to Liverpool’s absence from the FA Cup quarter-finals, has at least offered some respite for bruised bodies and tired minds.

Slot’s champions-elect currently sit 12 points clear of Arsenal, with only nine matches remaining. The fixture list remains demanding – Fulham, West Ham, Leicester, and Tottenham all await in April – but the title is now Liverpool’s to lose.

Injury News Hampers Squad Options

As Liverpool fans glance nervously at team news, the injury column remains troubling. The international break proved risky, offering more knocks than reassurance. Slot will be desperate to ensure he has a near fully-fit squad available to cement a historic title run.

Among those under the microscope are Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alisson Becker, Ryan Gravenberch and Conor Bradley. Each name carries weight – and their absence, should it continue, could tilt the balance of momentum.

Alexander-Arnold’s Absence and Uncertain Farewell

“Alexander-Arnold has been headline news of late despite currently being sidelined, with a high-profile free transfer to Real Madrid reportedly close to being finalised for the summer.”

The England right-back missed the Carabao Cup final and was also unavailable for the start of Thomas Tuchel’s England tenure. An ankle injury sustained in the second leg against PSG forced him off early, and Slot has admitted he’s uncertain when the academy graduate will return. The expectation is for a late-season comeback, but that timeline remains fluid.

“It will be interesting to see what reception Alexander-Arnold receives when he does play again, with many Liverpool fans frustrated by his decision to leave.”

Few players are as entwined with Liverpool’s modern identity as Alexander-Arnold. His next steps – both in recovery and in his career – will be watched intently.

Alisson Injury Blow and Fortunate Break

“Alisson started for Brazil in their 2026 World Cup qualifier against Colombia last week, but was forced off late on with a suspected concussion after colliding heavily with former Tottenham defender Davinson Sanchez inside the six-yard box.”

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The Brazilian goalkeeper has been instrumental this season, and his withdrawal from international duty will concern the Liverpool medical staff. Having missed the 4-1 drubbing by Argentina, Alisson is undergoing assessments.

“You have to imagine that Alisson would have missed out this weekend if Liverpool had been in FA Cup action, but the extra few days off will likely come in handy before the Merseyside derby.”

That brief rest could prove a lifeline for Slot, whose tactical structure leans heavily on Alisson’s shot-stopping and distribution.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

This title race feels different. Not only because Liverpool are ahead, but because adversity – in the form of injuries, cup exits and transition post-Klopp – has failed to derail them. Slot’s Liverpool may not have the emotional punch of the 2019-20 side, but their resolve has a steely edge. The Merseyside derby has often been a blood-and-thunder affair; this time, it might just be a test of bodies as much as hearts.