Liverpool injury list: Reds players out, potential return dates, predicted lineup for next game vs. Chelsea

Liverpool injury list: Reds players out, potential return dates, predicted lineup for next game vs. Chelsea originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Liverpool will hope to take a big step towards Champions League qualification when they face Chelsea on Saturday.

Last weekend's 3-2 loss to Manchester United at Old Trafford means the Reds are not yet assured of a top-five finish in the Premier League.

Victory over the Blues, who have been in freefall in recent weeks amid a six-game losing run in the league, could be enough to guarantee a Champions League return if Bournemouth fail to win this weekend. However, a negative result will only put more pressure on Arne Slot ahead of their last two games of the season against Aston Villa and Brentford.

The Sporting News takes stock of the Liverpool injury list and details who could miss out and who could return as the season nears a conclusion.

MORE:An updated list of top goal scorers in the Premier League for the 2025/26 season

Liverpool injury and suspension list

Below is the latest injury picture for Liverpool, including estimated return dates for those who are sidelined.

Alexander Isak

Injury: Undisclosed
Expected return date: May 9 (vs. Chelsea)

Isak was a late withdrawal from the squad for the United defeat after sustaining what was described as a "minor" injury. Slot expects him to be available this weekend.

Mohamed Salah

Injury: Muscle
Expected return date: May 17 (vs. Aston Villa)

Salah left the field in the win over Palace with what the club later described as "a minor muscle injury". The forward missed the United game and is not ready for Chelsea, but he could be back against Aston Villa.

Giorgi Mamardashvili

Injury: Leg
Expected return date: May 9 (vs. Chelsea)

Mamardashvili sustained a nasty wound to his leg during a collision with Beto as the striker scored Everton's equaliser in the derby. Slot said he could be back to face Chelsea if he comes through training on Friday.

Hugo Ekitike

Injury: Achilles tendon
Expected return date: Late 2026

Ekitike slipped and landed awkwardly during the loss to PSG, which caused him to rupture his Achilles tendon. He must undergo surgery on the injury and will miss the remainder of this season and the 2026 World Cup.

Alisson

Injury: Hamstring
Expected return date: May 17 (vs. Aston Villa)

After missing the Brighton defeat prior to the international break, Liverpool's first-choice goalkeeper has been forced to endure a weeks-long spell on the sidelines. Slot hopes he could be available in a week's time.

Wataru Endo

Injury: Broken foot
Expected return date: May 2026

Endo required oxygen on the pitch before being carried off on a stretcher in the Sunderland game. Slot later said the Japan captain had a serious-looking injury to his left foot or ankle, which is likely to rule him out for "a long, long time."

The player later confirmed ankle ligament damage that required surgery, and it seemed his season could be over, but Slot stated on April 24 that Endo could yet return to action in the final matches as he attempts to rebuild fitness for the World Cup.

Conor Bradley

Injury: Knee
Expected return date: August 2026

Bradley hurt himself when clearing the ball into touch in the closing stages of the 0-0 draw at Arsenal in January. He was taken off on a stretcher in some distress, and the club later confirmed he requires surgery on what was described as a "significant" knee injury. The Northern Ireland international will not return until next season after sustaining bone and ligament damage.

Giovanni Leoni

Injury: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear
Expected return date: August 2026

Summer signing Leoni suffered a nightmare debut as he horrifically tore an ACL against Southampton in the Carabao Cup back in September. The Italian defender underwent immediate surgery and is not due back until at least August 2026.

Stefan Bajcetic

Injury: Hamstring
Expected return date: May 2026

Bajcetic has not played this season due to injury and needed hamstring surgery back in January. It is hoped he will return in 2025/26, but Slot has stated that "as much as I'd like to have him back, we have to manage the expectations with him as well."