Slot Faces Growing Injury Concerns Ahead of Chelsea Clash
Liverpool approach their trip to Stamford Bridge under pressure, with manager Arne Slot facing a mounting injury list that threatens to disrupt momentum after a strong start to the season.
Injury setbacks halt early rhythm
The Premier League champions opened the 2025/26 campaign with seven consecutive victories across all competitions, demonstrating the control and intensity Slot has tried to instil since his summer arrival. That run, however, has been checked in recent weeks by defeats to Crystal Palace and Galatasaray, and now by an increasingly complicated injury situation.
Jeremie Frimpong was initially the only notable absentee across those early matches, missing a short spell with a muscular problem. But during the Carabao Cup victory over Southampton, promising centre-back Giovanni Leoni suffered a devastating knee injury. The teenager has since undergone surgery and could face up to a year on the sidelines — a major setback for both the player’s development and Slot’s defensive options.
Key players under assessment
Federico Chiesa, who has been gradually integrated into Slot’s attacking plans, also sustained a knock during his goalscoring appearance against Crystal Palace. The Italy international sat out the Champions League defeat to Galatasaray and remains under close monitoring.
Liverpool’s difficulties deepened during that same European fixture. Goalkeeper Alisson Becker was forced off with a hamstring injury and is unlikely to return before the November international break. Meanwhile, forward Hugo Ekitike was also withdrawn, although his issue proved less serious than first feared. Initial concerns suggested muscle damage, but it is now thought he suffered only from cramp.
Nyoni emerges but faces fitness doubt
One of the more intriguing stories of Slot’s Liverpool tenure so far has been the rapid progression of teenager Trey Nyoni. The midfielder, who featured from the start in the Carabao Cup win over Southampton and has been named on the bench in several other senior fixtures, has become a regular in first-team training.
Nyoni’s influence was highlighted earlier this week as he captained Liverpool’s under-19s to a 2-0 victory over Galatasaray in the UEFA Youth League. However, he left Turkey in a protective boot and is now considered a doubt for the Chelsea match. Slot will make a late decision on his involvement, but losing another midfield option would be a frustrating blow at a time when squad depth is already being tested.
Stamford Bridge test arrives at difficult time
For Slot, the timing of these issues could hardly be more challenging. His side travel to face a Chelsea team looking to build momentum of their own before the October international break. While Liverpool’s early form suggested a smooth defence of their title was within reach, the injuries have injected a degree of uncertainty into their short-term prospects.
Balancing results with recovery will be key for Slot in the coming weeks. With several of his key players sidelined and Nyoni facing a late fitness test, the manager must weigh risk against reward in selection. Stamford Bridge will offer an early indicator of how effectively Liverpool can adapt to adversity.
