11 Players Set to Miss Liverpool vs Burnley Clash as Mohamed Salah Talks Underway

By Mirror Sport Reporter | Published January 17, 2026

Liverpool face Burnley at Anfield on Saturday afternoon in the Premier League, but both sides will be hit by significant injury woes, with 11 players confirmed absent and key star Mohamed Salah still sidelined amid ongoing contract discussions[1][2][3][4][6]. The Reds, managed by Arne Slot, aim for a seventh straight league win over the struggling Clarets, who sit near the relegation zone after losing nine of their last 12 top-flight matches[2][4].

Liverpool's Injury Crisis

Slot confirmed no new injuries following the 4-1 FA Cup win over Barnsley, but long-term absentees persist. Mohamed Salah misses out due to AFCON commitments and is not due back until next week, with contract extension talks reportedly underway[3][4][6]. Other outs include Conor Bradley (knee, season-ending), Giovanni Leoni (knee, season-ending), and Alexander Isak (leg, multiple months)[3][4][5]. Youngster Rio Ngumoha is doubtful with cramp[4].

Alisson returns in goal after Giorgi Mamardashvili's cup outing, partnering defenders Jeremie Frimpong, Ibrahima Konaté, Virgil van Dijk, and Milos Kerkez. Midfield duo Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister anchor, with Dominik Szoboszlai, Florian Wirtz, Cody Gakpo, and Hugo Ekitiké up top in a predicted 4-2-3-1[2][3][4]. Wirtz's form and Ekitiké's injury return are boosts against Burnley's second-weakest defense[2].

Burnley's Absences

The visitors, under Scott Parker, boast returns like Joe Worrall (doubtful) and AFCON duo Axel Tuanzebe and Hannibal Mejbri, but lose Zian Flemming (unspecified), Jordan Beyer (thigh), Zeki Amdouni (knee), Connor Roberts (Achilles), Josh Cullen (knee), and Mike Tresor (unspecified)[4][5]. Ashley Barnes could start after recent goals[2].

Predicted Burnley XI (3-4-2-1): Dúbravka; Laurent, Estève, Humphreys; Walker, Ugochukwu, Florentino, Pires; Edwards/Bruno Larsen, Anthony; Broja[2][4]. They'll target set pieces against Van Dijk and Konaté[7].

Prediction and Context

Experts predict a narrow Liverpool 2-1 win, with the hosts' firepower prevailing despite unconvincing recent displays[2]. Kick-off is 3pm GMT at Anfield, as Liverpool chase an unbeaten run extension to 12 games[5].

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