Liverpool get back to business on Friday evening at Aston Villa as they press on with their push to qualify for next season’s Champions League. The Reds saw points slip away at home to Chelsea in their most recent outing, but remain within touching distance of guaranteeing a top-five finish.
Arne Slot’s men could confirm their place back among Europe’s elite with victory at Villa Park (8pm). Should Liverpool come up short in Birmingham this week, they will still have another opportunity to clinch Champions League qualification in their season finale at home to Brentford on Sunday, May 24 (4pm).
Slot continues to grapple with several fitness concerns ahead of Friday’s clash. Florian Wirtz will undergo a late assessment before the match, though Mohamed Salah is expected to feature in some capacity against Unai Emery’s outfit.
Meanwhile, Alisson Becker could reclaim his place between the sticks with the Brazilian having resumed training. Below is the latest on injuries and expected return dates for Liverpool’s squad…
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Liverpool confirmed in an official statement that Salah would feature again before the season ends. Slot backed this up in his injury briefing on Thursday – saying that he is in contention for a brief cameo against Villa.
What Slot has said: “Salah is available for a few minutes but hopefully can come in.”
Potential return date: Villa (A) – Friday, May 15.
Wirtz faces a late fitness test ahead of Friday’s encounter after being struck down by a stomach infection.
What Slot has said: “Stomach infection, so let’s see how fit he is for tomorrow. He’s on antibiotics. Let’s see if he’s ready to play tomorrow.”
Potential return date: Villa (A) – Friday, May 15.
View 2 ImagesFlorian Wirtz faces a late fitness test(Image: Lewis Storey/Getty Images)
Liverpool could welcome Alisson back into the starting XI on Friday, but Slot has made clear that nothing is certain just yet.
What Slot has said: “Alisson trains with us again, let’s see where he is tomorrow, if he is ready already or has to wait one more week.”
Potential return date: Villa (A) – Friday, May 15.
Konate has been given the all-clear after being substituted during the second half against Chelsea last weekend.
What Slot has said: “Ibou is OK, trained with us.”
Potential return date: Villa (A) – Friday, May 15.
Liverpool are hopeful of having Endo available for the closing stages of the season, with the midfielder having undergone ankle surgery earlier this year.
What Slot has said: “Endo is starting to go out, not with the team, but he is starting to do exercises outside with the rehab team. He will not be available next week or the week after. We are hoping for him to be back at the end of the season
Potential return date: Villa (A) – Friday, May 15.
Ekitike has been ruled out for the rest of the season and this summer’s World Cup after suffering a serious Achilles injury.
What Slot has said: “The surgery went well, but in such a long rehab process, there are so many steps that need to be made. Experts will tell you this will take multiple months, and then it depends on the steps. We don’t know yet, but the first and most important step is that the surgery went well.”
Potential return date: Late 2026/Early 2027.
Bradley is another player facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to a serious injury, although he is more likely to make his comeback before the year is out.
Potential return date: November/December 2026.
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Young defender Leoni is just over seven months into his rehabilitation following a ruptured ACL.
Potential return date: Late 2026.