Liverpool XI vs Leeds: Starting lineup, confirmed team news, injury latest for Premier League today | OneFootball

Arne Slot handed key selection boost for first game of 2026 at Anfield

Liverpool have Dominik Szoboszlai back for today’s Premier League clash with Leeds.

The Hungarian midfielder missed Saturday’s nervy 2-1 home win over Wolves due to suspension after picking up his fifth yellow card of the top-flight season against Tottenham.

Szoboszlai’s return is a huge positive for Arne Slot ahead of what looks set to be a challenging first game of 2026 at Anfield this evening.

Resurgent Leeds held Liverpool to a 3-3 draw at Elland Road less than a month ago and Slot is still having to deal with a number of absentees.

The Reds remain without star striker Alexander Isak due to a fractured leg sustained against Spurs. The British record £125millon signing is expected to miss a few months of action.

Mohamed Salah is away at the Africa Cup of Nations with Egypt, neither Wataru Endo nor Joe Gomez are expected back for at least a couple of weeks, while Giovanni Leoni is out with a long-term knee injury.

Endo is dealing with an ankle problem, while Gomez has a muscular issue.

Szoboszlai has been one of Liverpool's best players so far this season and is handed an immediate recall into the side against Leeds.

Federico Chiesa, who got a rare start against Wolves, drops back to the bench.

Cody Gakpo is fit again but has only had 10 minutes of football since the beginning of December, so is likely to be used as an impact substitute once more.

Slot has opted to start both Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley, with the former set to operate as a right-winger.

Liverpool have won five of their last seven games and are now up to fourth in the Premier League table heading into the New Year.

Liverpool XI: Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Konate, Robertson; Jones, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Frimpong, Ekitike, Wirtz.