Liverpool hosts Chelsea at Anfield today in a Matchweek 36 fixture that carries heavy implications for both clubs.
While Liverpool aim to secure their place in the top four, Chelsea are desperate to snap a historically bad run of form.
Liverpool currently sit in fourth place and are under pressure to secure a spot in the top five to guarantee Champions League football for next year.
They are looking to recover from a 3-2 defeat against rivals Manchester United where Arne Slot's squad showed resilience by fighting back from two goals down, but a late strike from Kobbie Mainoo secured the win for United.
Arne Slot manager speaks with Mohamed Salah as he goes off injured during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Crystal Palace.Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Liverpool enter tonight’s match against Chelsea dealing with several missing players in what is a crucial moment for their season.
While some key names are beginning to return to the squad, Arne Slot is still forced to navigate a significant injury list as his team looks to bounce back from a difficult week.
Why Is Mohamed Salah Not Playing for Liverpool vs Chelsea?
Mohamed Salah is not playing for Liverpool against Chelsea tonight because of a lingering hamstring injury sustained against Crystal Palace last month. While his recovery is progressing, he has not yet returned to full team training, making him unavailable for the Premier League fixture.
Florian Wirtz has also been forced to withdraw from the squad after falling ill earlier this week and missing several training sessions.
Liverpool playing XI: Mamardashvili, Jones, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Frimpong, Gakpo, Ngumoha
Subs: Woodman, Gomez, Isak, Chiesa, Robertson, Nyoni, Morrison, Ndiaye, Wright.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on May 9, 2026, where it first appeared in the Soccer section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
