Liverpool’s long list of injury problems shows no signs of easing as they prepare for a tricky trip to Brentford this weekend.
Despite ending their losing streak with a 5-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt in midweek, Arne Slot now faces a real puzzle over who to start — and who’s even fit enough to play.
The Reds travel to West London aiming to regain momentum in the Premier League after back-to-back domestic defeats, but they’ll have to do it without several key players.
Brentford, meanwhile, have lost just once at home this season and will fancy their chances against a Liverpool side stretched thin by fitness concerns.
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Injury chaos gives Slot and Liverpool a major dilemma
Liverpool’s No. 1, Alisson Becker, remains out with a hamstring issue. The Brazilian has been sidelined since late September and is not expected to return before the international break. Backup Giorgi Mamardashvili is set to continue in goal.
Record signing Alexander Isak is also a doubt after limping off with a groin injury in Frankfurt. Slot admitted the situation is tricky, saying:
“You go slowly with him, and people argue about playing him longer. We’ve now played him for the second time in three days and unfortunately, he had to go off.”
Right-back Jeremie Frimpong is another confirmed absentee after suffering a second hamstring problem of the season.
Ryan Gravenberch also remains sidelined following an ankle twist against Manchester United, while young defender Giovanni Leoni continues his recovery from an ACL injury.
On the Brentford side, Aaron Hickey and Edmond-Paris Maghoma are doubts, while Antoni Milambo has been ruled out for the season with a serious knee injury.
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A test of depth and determination
With as many as eight players potentially missing the match, Slot will need to rely on rotation once again — something that has already become a theme in his early Liverpool tenure.
The Reds’ bench strength will be under the microscope, especially with crucial fixtures against Aston Villa and Manchester City coming up.
Brentford may see this as the perfect opportunity to sting the champions, but Liverpool have shown before that even a patched-up squad can rise to the occasion. The question is: who will step up this time?