13 Players Could Miss Liverpool vs Barnsley After Conor Bradley and Hugo Ekitike Updates

Liverpool FC faces League One side Barnsley in the FA Cup third round at Anfield on Monday, January 12, 2026, at 19:45 UTC, but injury concerns could sideline up to 13 players, including key updates on Conor Bradley and potential loanee Hugo Ekitike.

Manager Arne Slot has vowed a strong squad to avoid last season's shock FA Cup exit, emphasizing no repeats against the struggling Tykes, who sit near the bottom of League One.[2][4] Liverpool boasts a perfect 11-0 record in FA Cup ties on January 12, entering as massive favorites despite recent Premier League inconsistencies.[1][4]

Injury Crisis: Bradley and Ekitike in Focus

The headline-grabbing news centers on right-back Conor Bradley, who featured in highlights with a goal contribution but faces doubt after recent niggles. Hugo Ekitike, linked with a January move, is also touch-and-go, potentially exacerbating defensive woes with an "unorthodox backline" predicted.[4][7]

Up to 13 absentees loom, including long-term issues for stars like Mohamed Salah (recent finisher in simulations), Andy Robertson, Curtis Jones, and others from recent form guides. Predicted lineup: Mamardashvili; Ramsay, Gomez, Robertson, Kerkez; Nyoni, Mac Allister; Frimpong, Jones, Ngumoha; Chiesa—though changes are likely.[4][6][7]

Match Context and Predictions

Head-to-head favors Liverpool (3 wins in last 5), but Barnsley's 2008 upset (2-1) lingers. Referee Farai Hallam oversees; no VAR. Pundits predict a comfortable Liverpool win (e.g., 3-0+), but cup magic and injuries add tension. Live stats promise xG, possession battles at Anfield.[2][4][5]

Slot's rotation balances title chase with cup ambitions, as Barnsley eyes giant-killing amid their relegation fight. A win maintains Liverpool's historic January 12 streak.[1][3]

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