Liverpool enjoyed a 5-2 demolition of West Ham United on Saturday afternoon despite having a number of key players sidelined, as they look for a solid finish in the final stages of 2025/26
Liverpool striker Alexander Isak has been injured since December(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool returned to Premier League action on Saturday afternoon, as they ran out 5-2 winners over a struggling West Ham United side. Arne Slot’s Reds were in flying form at Anfield, despite a number of first-team starters sitting out of the match sidelined with injury.
Hugo Ekitike opened the scoring just five minutes into the match, before Virgil van Dijk doubled the advantage midway through the first-half. Alexis Mac Allister continued his brilliant vein of form just ahead of the break to ensure Liverpool headed down the tunnel with a 3-0 advantage.
While it was the Hammers who started the second 45 brighter, Tomas Soucek scoring four minutes after play had resumed, it was ultimately the hosts’ day to shine. Cody Gakpo found the back of the net with 20 minutes remaining before Valentin Castellanos pulled one back.
An own goal from Axel Disasi 82 minutes deep sealed the deal for Liverpool, who sit fifth in the Premier League standings as a result of their efforts. However, a number of familiar faces were notably absent from Saturday’s action through various injuries.
Here, the ECHO rounds up all of the current crop who are sidelined, as well as their respective potential return dates…
Alexander Isak
Alexander Isak has been injured since sustaining a fractured fibula in Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur in December, and has since had surgery on his injury. Speaking earlier this month, Slot confirmed that the striker has been back to light individual training as he continues to recover.
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While the Dutchman did not want to put a timeframe on his return, he noted that Isak could make a return before the end of the season if all things go as planned. Slot said: “Alex has been on the pitch with his running shoes for the first time this week, so it will still be a while.
“The next step is doing work with the ball, and then going into the group — it takes a while before you’re ready to play. Let’s not put a timescale on it, but it’s clear he will be available if things go as planned this season.”
Potential return date: April/May.
Florian Wirtz
While the attacking-midfielder was named as part of Liverpool’s starting XI to take on Nottingham Forest, Florian Wirtz dropped out of the squad due to a lower back injury ahead of kick-off. As a result, he also missed Saturday’s game against West Ham.
When asked if the German would be fit for Liverpool’s upcoming midweek match with Wolves, Slot explained: “I think that will be too early but I said last week I didn’t expect him not to be available today. Sometimes with an injury things can develop in a positive or negative way.
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“Now we are thinking it doesn’t have to take too long, but Tuesday will probably be too early. The week after will be tight – as things stand now. But as I said, I thought he would be available for today as well.”
Potential return date: Wednesday, March 18 vs Galatasaray (H).
Wataru Endo
Wataru Endo will miss the remainder of the season as a result of sustaining an ankle injury in need of surgery against Sunderland earlier this month. Speaking about the midfielder, Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu said: “I’ve heard that he had surgery.
“I’ve heard that it went well, but I don’t know the details of how it went. The plan is for him to be ready in time for the World Cup, so the rehabilitation process from surgery onwards is being considered.
“In order to play in the World Cup, he, the club, and we all share the same understanding.”
Potential return date: Next season.
Conor Bradley
Conor Bradley sustained a knee injury against Arsenal in January which required surgery. As a result, he will also miss the remainder of the season with Liverpool.
Potential return date: Next season.
Giovanni Leoni
Giovanni Leoni has been absent for the Liverpool first-team since picking up an ACL injury on his first-team debut against Southampton in September. He is also not expected to return to competitive football until the new season.
Potential return date: Next season.
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