Liverpool injury list grows ahead of Tottenham test
Liverpool head to Tottenham facing an uncomfortable selection picture, with up to seven senior players potentially unavailable. Credit goes to The Express for outlining the scale of the issue, and the report paints a picture of a squad being stretched at a demanding point of the season under Arne Slot.
Slot already admitted the strain after the recent 2-0 win over Brighton, a match that brought three points but little relief. “Arne Slot lamented having only 13 outfield players available for the Reds’ recent clash with Brighton,” a detail that underlines how fine the margins have become. Even with Hugo Ekitike’s brace settling that contest, the physical toll was evident almost immediately.
Squad depth under serious pressure
Joe Gomez and Dominik Szoboszlai both joined the treatment room during that Brighton victory. Gomez’s hamstring issue appears the most serious. Slot was candid, saying, “If I have a player who goes off with a muscle injury like Joe (Gomez), that’s normally not a positive thing.” He added, “I would not expect him to be in the squad next week [at Tottenham Hotspur]. But sometimes you get a positive surprise.”
Szoboszlai’s ankle problem also raised concern. Slot noted, “And Dom (Szoboszlai), it was his ankle. It didn’t look great when I just saw him. But he has unbelievable mentality so let’s hope for the best.” Those words reflect hope rather than certainty, which tells its own story.
Salah absence compounds problems
The situation becomes more complex with Mohamed Salah unavailable due to Africa Cup of Nations duty. Slot confirmed, “But we’re also going to miss Mo (Salah) because he is going to go to the Africa Cup of Nations.” Losing a player of Salah’s output and leadership ahead of a demanding away fixture is significant, especially when options are already limited.
There are small positives. Conor Bradley returns from suspension, while Jeremie Frimpong edges closer to fitness. Slot offered cautious optimism, stating, “The good thing is that Conor Bradley comes back from a suspension and normally Jeremie Frimpong will train with us also.” Still, Liverpool may need academy players to make up the numbers.
Tottenham trip tests Slot’s management
Cody Gakpo, Wataru Endo and Giovanni Leoni remain sidelined, with younger options such as Stefan Bajcetic and Jayden Danns also unavailable. It leaves Slot balancing risk and necessity. This is a manager who delivered the Premier League title in his debut season, yet this trip to North London may demand as much problem solving as any tactical masterclass.
Our View – Anfield Index Analysis
From a Liverpool supporter’s perspective, this report sparks equal parts concern and admiration. Concern because Tottenham away is rarely forgiving, and travelling with a depleted squad invites pressure. Admiration because Slot’s calm messaging suggests a manager comfortable working through adversity rather than deflecting it.
Supporters will look at the Brighton match and see a squad still capable of control and cutting edge, even with limited resources. Ekitike stepping up felt symbolic of a group responding to opportunity. The absence of Salah hurts, but it also opens space for others to take responsibility.
Ultimately, this Tottenham fixture feels like a stress test rather than a crisis point. If Liverpool emerge with anything from the game, it will reinforce belief that this squad, however stretched, remains resilient and well guided.
