Image Credits: Imago Images
Liverpool host Crystal Palace at Anfield on Saturday afternoon but could be without several key players. Arne Slot is dealing with a growing injury list at a crucial stage of the season, with the Reds needing a near-perfect run-in to secure European football for 2026/27.
Liverpool sit fifth in the table with five games remaining against Palace, Manchester United, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Brentford. The challenge is heightened by the fact that all of their remaining opponents are also pushing for Champions League qualification.
Crystal Palace have proven to be a difficult opponent for Liverpool this season. After losing the Community Shield on penalties to the FA Cup winners, the Reds were beaten 2-1 at Selhurst Park in September – a result that triggered a run which ultimately derailed their title defence.
The Eagles also secured a 3-0 victory at Anfield in the Carabao Cup in October. They will now be aiming to make it four wins over Liverpool in a single season.
Hugo Ekitike has been ruled out for the rest of the season after undergoing surgery on an Achilles tendon rupture sustained in the Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. The striker is also expected to miss part of next season.
Alisson has been sidelined since last month’s win over Galatasaray, with Giorgi Mamardashvili stepping in. However, the Georgian goalkeeper suffered a knee injury in the Merseyside derby and was stretchered off, forcing Freddie Woodman into action as Liverpool secured a 2-1 win over Everton.
Joe Gomez also missed that game at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday after being forced off in the previous defeat to PSG. Giovanni Leoni has not featured since suffering an ACL injury on his debut against Southampton in the Carabao Cup in September and is not expected to return until next season.
Wataru Endo has been out since February after undergoing surgery on a foot injury sustained against Sunderland and will not play again this season, although he is expected to be fit for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Conor Bradley has also been sidelined since January with a knee injury picked up against Arsenal and is unlikely to return before next season.