Liverpool is facing significant challenges as they prepare to host Wolves at Anfield on December 27, 2025. The reigning Premier League champions are contending with potential injuries to key players, notably striker Alexander Isak, who was forced off the pitch after scoring during the 2-1 victory against Tottenham Hotspur.
In a match that saw Liverpool secure three points, Isak found the net just minutes after being introduced as a substitute. Unfortunately, he sustained an injury following a collision with defender Micky van de Ven. Liverpool manager Arne Slot expressed his concern in a post-match interview, stating, “I don’t have any news on him, but if a player scores and doesn’t try to come back on the pitch, it’s usually not a good thing.” Slot acknowledged that while Isak’s goal was a positive, the nature of his injury remains uncertain.
Captain Virgil van Dijk echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that injuries are an unfortunate part of the sport. “We all saw how bad it looked with Alex, but hopefully it won’t be too bad,” he remarked. The club awaits further assessments to determine the extent of Isak’s injury, with hopes that it is not related to his knee.
Squad Adjustments and Injury Updates
With Isak’s potential absence, Hugo Ekitike stands poised to take on a more prominent role. Ekitike has been in impressive form, netting five goals in his last three Premier League matches. His opportunity to build on this success comes at a critical time as Liverpool faces a struggling Wolves side.
In addition to Isak, the team must navigate other injury concerns. Dominik Szoboszlai is suspended due to a recent booking, meaning he will be unable to continue his streak of starting every game this season. The absence of the influential Hungarian midfielder could create significant challenges in Liverpool’s midfield and defensive setups.
Another player to watch is Conor Bradley, who was substituted at halftime against Tottenham after a collision in the penalty area. While the club hopes this is a precautionary measure, Bradley’s injury history raises concerns about his availability for the upcoming match.
Meanwhile, Jeremie Frimpong returns to the squad following a two-month recovery from a hamstring injury. The Netherlands international is expected to contribute significantly as he aims for just his second Premier League start. Joe Gomez is also on the injury list, having sustained a muscle issue, and Slot will provide updates on his recovery shortly.
Future Prospects and Tactical Considerations
As Liverpool navigates these injury challenges, players like Curtis Jones, Ryan Gravenberch, and Alexis Mac Allister are likely to retain their spots in midfield. Federico Chiesa could also have a chance to start, depending on the fitness of Isak and Florian Wirtz, who also experienced cramp in the closing minutes against Spurs.
With a week between fixtures, Slot has the opportunity to reassess his squad and strategize for the upcoming encounter. The team is eager to maintain momentum and head into the new year on a high note. As Liverpool targets a successful finish to 2025, the emphasis will be on recovery and tactical adjustments to overcome these injuries and continue their pursuit of Premier League success.
