Liverpool face Wolves as they continue to build momentum after a difficult start to the season. The Reds currently sit Sixth with 29 points and a game in hand.
Momentum meets a mounting injury list at Anfield this weekend as Liverpool prepares to face Wolverhampton Wanderers. While back-to-back Premier League wins have steadied the ship, the headlines ahead of this clash are dominated by who won’t be on the pitch for the Reds. Anfield Central brings the latest Liverpool Wolves team news.
Injury setbacks to Liverpool
The most significant blow is the confirmed long-term absence of record signing Alexander Isak. The striker has undergone surgery on an ankle issue that includes a fibula fracture, ruling him out for months. It’s a brutal setback for a player whose physicality and movement were becoming integral. Isak’s injury strips Arne Slot of a crucial rotation option during the congested festive schedule.[smartframe_images_embed customer-id=”1ffbae35d432d0d71911ca2a0b209fbb” image-id=”prsiYOh5Uqe5″ style=”width: 100%; display: inline-flex; max-width: 2700px; aspect-ratio: 2700/1800;”]
Compounding the issue in defence, the versatile Joe Gomez remains sidelined. His absence limits Slot’s ability to shuffle his back line.
Some good news for Liverpool
There is some positive news, however, with Jeremie Frimpong back in contention. The Dutchman made his return from a two-month layoff as a substitute last weekend, and Slot confirmed he “is able to start this weekend if I make that decision.”[smartframe_images_embed customer-id=”1ffbae35d432d0d71911ca2a0b209fbb” image-id=”prsi2N7FdsVK” style=”width: 100%; display: inline-flex; max-width: 2700px; aspect-ratio: 2700/1800;”]
In midfield, the energy of Dominik Szoboszlai will be missed as he serves a suspension. Replacing his driving runs and pressing intensity requires a tactical shuffle. Offsetting that loss, any concerns over Florian Wirtz have been dismissed. “He will be there for us again on Saturday,” Slot stated.
Late fitness calls for Bradley and Gakpo
Two further fitness calls hang in the balance. Both Conor Bradley and Cody Gakpo are rated as “50-50” by the manager. Speaking on Tuesday, Slot noted, “Friday we will see exactly where he [Bradley] is [and] if he can be in the squad for the weekend. Cody is a bit similar to Conor.” [smartframe_images_embed customer-id=”6dfbdbe8ed6ff2eb8f8e8ee3c2cef8f4″ image-id=”wennLr7UxEnJ” style=”width: 100%; display: inline-flex; max-width: 3501px; aspect-ratio: 3501/2229;”]
Wolves arrive in even direr straits, embroiled in a deep relegation battle and carrying their own key absence. Captain Toti Gomes is out for weeks with a hamstring injury, a major blow to their defensive structure.
Faced with these selection headaches, Slot has issued a clear rallying cry to his available squad. “It is time for the players we do have available to do what they have done so many times and roll their sleeves up,” he told reporters. The message is clear: despite the absentees, expectation at Anfield remains unchanged.
