Liverpool Injury News: Ekitike, Bradley – Latest Updates and Return Dates Ahead of Burnley

Liverpool FC faces a mounting injury crisis under manager Arne Slot as the team prepares for a busy January schedule, including the Premier League clash with Burnley. Key players remain sidelined, impacting squad depth.[1][3][4]

Conor Bradley

Defender Conor Bradley will miss the rest of the 2025-26 season after sustaining a significant knee injury— involving bone and ligament damage—in the goalless draw at Arsenal on January 8. He is set for surgery, with no return timeframe confirmed. This follows a prior hamstring issue that limited his 21 appearances this term. The incident drew controversy when Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli pushed the injured player, earning a booking.[4]

Hugo Ekitike

Striker Hugo Ekitike missed recent games against Fulham and Arsenal due to delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and a hamstring problem. Slot indicated he could return for the FA Cup tie against Barnsley on Monday, saying: "We will do everything to have him available."[3] Ekitike has faced added pressure since Alexander Isak's injury.[1]

Alexander Isak

Big-money signing Alexander Isak underwent surgery for a fibula fracture and ankle injury sustained against Tottenham in December. Slot described it as a "long injury" lasting months, though he expects Isak back this season.[1][3]

Other Absences

• Giovanni Leoni: ACL tear on debut vs. Southampton (September); out for rest of season and into next.[2][3][5]
• Stefan Bajcetic: Fresh hamstring injury; sidelined until end of January, scuppering loan hopes. Last first-team action 613 days ago.[1]
• Jayden Danns: Recovering from stress fracture; not training, unavailable short-term.[3]
• Joe Gomez and Wataru Endo: Hamstring and ankle issues, respectively.[1]

Despite losing Bradley and Leoni, Liverpool are not expected to sign a defender in January. Slot must improvise at right-back with options like Jeremie Frimpong, Gomez, or midfielders.[4][5] Upcoming fixtures: Barnsley (H, FA Cup), Burnley (H, PL), and more.[4]

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