Liverpool’s injury list continues to trouble manager Arne Slota ahead of the Premier League clash with Aston Villa as both Alexander Isak and Alisson remain unavailable due to lingering injuries. Slot said he was “99.9% sure” Isak and Alisson would not be in the squad, highlighting the impact their absence would have on squad selection and preparation for the upcoming game. Their continued unavailability adds to Liverpool’s challenges as the side strives reverse his recent poor form.
Ryan Gravenberch has returned to training and may be included depending on fitness. The manager’s options remain limited as he assesses players’ readiness in the final hours before kick-off. The loss of two key starters, combined with doubts over Gravenberch, has intensified the scrutiny of Liverpool’s squad depth.
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Slot admitted that ongoing injuries have taken a toll on maintaining the team’s fitness levels.
“In the final stage of the injury, things may slow down a little bit or they may go faster, but Ryan trained with us yesterday and he will train with us today and then we will make a call if he is fit to start,” Slot said.
Despite these setbacks, Slot stressed that there will be no excuses for poor results despite the injury. The Dutchman’s stance signals his determination to maintain standards and accountability even as injuries mount. With Liverpool having lost six of their last seven matches in all competitions, the pressure to get results is mounting.
Liverpool are currently seventh in the Premier League, seven points behind leaders Arsenal. Their recent form includes a 3-0 League Cup defeat to Crystal Palace. Despite significant investment – £446m spent over the summer – the team have found consistency elusive and the upcoming run of fixtures is widely seen as crucial to their season prospects.
With regard to the direction of the club, Slot reiterated his satisfaction, saying that he is happy with the team and the club’s strategy.
“We lack nothing,” he said. “I’m absolutely happy with the squad and all the quality we have and I’m also absolutely confident with the strategy and the policy we have, but not everyone has had a proper pre-season or they’ve been injured.
“When three or four are injured, you go back to 16 players,” Slot added. “You’ve got to keep them fit like we did last season… A couple of others missed pre-season or got injured during training.
“It was harder than last season to keep them all available. Maybe we had more luck last season and now we’re unluckier. But no excuses for our results until people say that.”
Aston Villa come in great form, having won their last four league games. They are level on points with Liverpool and are just one place behind them in the table. The Villa game is followed by a Champions League home game against Real Madrid on Tuesday and a key away league game against Manchester City on November 9, creating a demanding schedule for Sloto’s side.
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Published on:
31 October 2025
