Two Liverpool stars at risk of missing Eintracht Frankfurt clash | OneFootball

Liverpool injury update as Slot faces mounting fitness concerns before Frankfurt trip

Liverpool’s challenge deepens amid injury concerns

Liverpool’s season, already stuttering under the weight of expectation and fatigue, has taken another uncomfortable turn. After three consecutive defeats before the October international break, Arne Slot’s side were beaten again on Sunday, and this one will sting. Manchester United arrived at Anfield and left with a 2-1 victory, marking Liverpool’s first home loss of the season.

The performance itself was not devoid of intent or chances, but it lacked rhythm and conviction. The visitors pressed with intelligence and punished lapses that have become worryingly familiar. For all Liverpool’s possession, their fragility in key moments remains a problem Slot has yet to solve.

Now, attention turns to Germany and a crucial Champions League fixture away to Eintracht Frankfurt. The Reds are in desperate need of a response, both in result and spirit. Yet their cause has not been helped by a string of injuries that continue to undermine consistency and cohesion.

Gravenberch to be assessed after ankle twist

Ryan Gravenberch, one of Liverpool’s brighter sparks this season, was forced off in the second half against United after twisting his ankle in a challenge. Having only just returned from a hamstring concern, his latest setback could not have come at a worse time.

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Slot addressed the situation after the game, saying: “I took him off because he twisted his ankle. Is he an injury concern? That’s what we have to wait and see tomorrow, but we have to play in two days again.”

The Dutch midfielder’s recovery will be monitored closely in the build-up to Frankfurt. His energy and ability to carry the ball from deep have been key to Liverpool’s attacking transitions, and his absence would leave a noticeable gap in midfield.

Potential return date: October 22, vs Frankfurt (A)

Midfield bruises but optimism for Mac Allister

Alongside Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister endured a bruising afternoon against United. The Argentine required treatment and a head bandage after an accidental clash with Virgil van Dijk in the build-up to Bryan Mbeumo’s goal. Despite the incident, Mac Allister’s substitution was precautionary rather than medical, suggesting he should be available for the Champions League tie.

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The midfielder’s blend of control and composure has been crucial to Slot’s system. With Liverpool often stretched in transition, Mac Allister’s positional discipline remains vital in steadying a side that has lost its defensive balance in recent weeks.

Potential return date: October 22, vs Frankfurt (A)

Alisson absence continues as Reds adjust

Liverpool’s greatest concern, however, lies between the posts. First-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker remains sidelined with a hamstring injury suffered in the Champions League clash against Galatasaray. His calm assurance and command have been sorely missed, with Giorgi Mamardashvili deputising in his absence.

Slot offered an update before the United match, saying: “Alisson, he is not training, he is out. It’s so difficult to say [when he will return], because the end phase of rehab can give positives and negatives, but he will not play this weekend or next week.”

Liverpool expect Alisson to miss both the Frankfurt and Brentford fixtures, though a return for the Carabao Cup clash against Crystal Palace at the end of October remains possible.

Potential return date: October 29, vs Crystal Palace (H)

Endo precaution and Leoni heartbreak

Wataru Endo’s absence has drawn quieter attention but adds another layer to Slot’s growing list of problems. The Japan international did not travel for national duty, with reports suggesting his omission was precautionary. Yet he missed the United defeat and remains a doubt for the upcoming fixtures.

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Potential return date: Unknown

The most serious injury news concerns young defender Giovanni Leoni. The teenager’s first appearance at Anfield ended in agony after he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in the Carabao Cup win over Southampton.

Slot confirmed the extent of the damage: “He’s not in a good place, of course. He tore his ACL which means that he will be out for around a year. Being so young, coming to a new country, playing so well in your first game, it’s very hard to take the positives.”

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The news will be deeply felt across the club. Liverpool’s faith in their academy and young recruits has been a cornerstone of their rebuild, but Leoni’s setback is a painful reminder of football’s cruel side.

Potential return date: Late 2026

Slot’s test of leadership

For all the talk of tactics and transition, Liverpool’s most pressing battle is psychological. Injuries have exposed the fragility of rhythm and confidence that underpin any successful side. Slot’s first real test as Liverpool manager is not merely about recovering points, but about restoring belief in a group that has looked physically and emotionally drained.

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The trip to Frankfurt offers a chance to reset. It will not be easy, but it is often in adversity that Liverpool have rediscovered their defiance. For Slot and his players, this week could define how the season unfolds.