Premier League champions Liverpool host struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield this weekend, with both sides decimated by a significant injury crisis ahead of the penultimate match of 2025.
Anfield Clash Overshadowed by Absences
The fixture pits a Liverpool side grappling with a lengthy injury list against a Wolves team desperate to end a dire run of form. Wolves are without a league win in 21 matches, a streak stretching back to the 34th matchweek of the previous season. They have taken just two points from a possible 51 this term, recently equalling Sheffield United's 2020/21 record for the worst-ever start to a Premier League campaign.
Their task at Anfield, where they haven't won in the league since November 2010 under Mick McCarthy, is monumental. However, the one potential leveller is the severe depletion of the home side's squad, offering a glimmer of hope for the Old Gold.
Liverpool's Mounting Injury Worries
The champions' problems worsened significantly with an update on record signing Alexander Isak. The Swedish striker, who scored in the win over Tottenham Hotspur, suffered 'significant damage' to his lower leg after a challenge from Micky van de Ven and has been added to the absentee list.
He joins last season's top scorer, Mohamed Salah, who is away at the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt. Further attacking woes come with Cody Gakpo sidelined by a muscle injury likely to keep him out until the New Year.
The defensive ranks are also thin. Joe Gomez is out with a muscle issue, and summer signing Giovanni Leoni is a long-term absentee after suffering an ACL injury on his debut. Conor Bradley is a doubt after being substituted at half-time in the last match.
In midfield, Wataru Endo is out until January, while Dominik Szoboszlai is suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card of the campaign. Long-term casualties Stefan Bajcetic and Jayden Danns remain out. A minor concern surrounds Florian Wirtz, who was seen rubbing his hamstring before being substituted against Spurs.
Wolves' Own Fitness Battles
While Liverpool's situation is stark, Wolves are not without their own personnel issues as they aim to pull off a major upset. Eight first-team players are currently ruled out due to injury.
Rodrigo Gomes (groin) and Jean-Ricner Bellegarde (hamstring) are not expected back until 2026. Marshall Munetsi is sidelined with a calf problem for a number of weeks, and Leon Chiwome is a long-term absentee with an ACL injury.
Club captain Toti Gomes and goalkeeper Daniel Bentley are also out for unspecified periods. Defender Emmanuel Agbadou is away representing Ivory Coast at AFCON. There is a potential boost, however, with Hugo Bueno pushing for a return from injury in time for the match.
The cumulative effect of these absences sets the stage for a highly unconventional Premier League encounter, where squad depth and resilience will be tested to the limit for both Liverpool and Wolves.
