Liverpool Squad Depth Test: Threatened Without Seven Players Vs Wolves
Source: Antara News Agency/Liverpool
Liverpool enter matchweek 18 of the 2025/2026 Premier League in a far-from-ideal situation. As Anfield prepares to host Wolverhampton Wanderers, The Reds are instead hit by a player crisis forcing Arne Slot to test the depth of his squad.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot stated his team is potentially threatened by the absence of seven players when they host Wolverhampton Wanderers in matchweek 18 of the 2025/2026 Premier League at Anfield, Saturday, December 27, 2025 at 10 PM WIB.
The absentee list isn't just long but also crucial. Mohamed Salah is confirmed unavailable due to national team duty, while Liverpool's defensive and midfield lines are also depleted by injuries and sanctions.
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Alexander Isak is sidelined long-term after suffering a serious fractured fibula in his ankle. He joins Joe Gomez and Wataru Endo who are still not fit for the match against Wolves.
Liverpool's problems increase with the absence of Dominik Szoboszlai.
The next player confirmed absent is Dominik Szoboszlai due to serving a suspension for accumulated yellow cards.
With five players definitely out, two other names remain doubtful. Both Conor Bradley and Cody Gakpo are still questionable.”
Slot provided an update on the condition of those two players.
"Conor's condition will be 50-50. He didn't Train with us today, nor will he tomorrow, so on Friday we'll see exactly his condition and whether he can be in the squad for the Weekend," said Slot as quoted from the club's official website on Wednesday.
Amid the bad news, Liverpool received one positive energy boost: Florian Wirtz is ready to play.
Wirtz, signed from Bayer Leverkusen this season, was previously feared unavailable after his performance in the 2-1 win against Tottenham Hotspur last week.
“Yes. Another example of a player who has had to play a lot and is adapting increasingly well to the Premier League. In an ideal situation, I could rest him a little longer. He will be back with us on Saturday," said the Dutch coach.
Although Wolves arrive as the bottom-placed team, Slot refuses to be lulled into a false sense of security.
On the same occasion, when asked about his view of Wolves' strength, Slot admitted he wouldn't underestimate the strength of Rob Edwards' team, which is the only team in the Premier League this season yet to record a win.
Wolves are at the bottom of the table with two points, while Liverpool is slowly finding consistency and sits in fifth place with 29 points.
"Every match in the Premier League is a dangerous or difficult match," he concluded.
