Liverpool Suffer Fresh Injury Blow Against Brighton

Liverpool FC endured another setback in their Premier League clash against Brighton & Hove Albion on December 13, 2025, at Anfield, with defender Joe Gomez forced off due to injury midway through the first half[2]. Despite the blow, the Reds secured a 2-0 victory, thanks to Hugo Ekitike's brace, including the season's fastest Premier League goal[2].

The match started evenly poised, but Gomez's withdrawal disrupted manager Arne Slot's plans. Subbed in his place was Dominik Szoboszlai, repurposed as right-back while Slot consulted with set-piece coach Aaron Briggs[2]. This came amid Liverpool's mounting injury concerns. Conor Bradley was already suspended for the game after his fifth yellow card against Leeds United[1]. Cody Gakpo remained sidelined from an injury sustained versus Leeds, expected out for weeks despite hopes of a return by December 13[1][3]. Long-term absentee Jeremie Frimpong continues recovery from a Champions League knock, with Slot anticipating his training return post-December 2[1]. Young defender Giovanni Leoni faces a year out after an ACL tear on debut[1].

On the pitch, Mohamed Salah made an earlier-than-expected return, linking with Alexis Mac Allister and impressing defensively during Brighton's counters[2]. Ekitike's clinical finishing shone: his opener stunned early, and a Salah-shot rebound sealed the win late on[2]. Brighton threatened via Diego Gomez and Brajan Gruda, but couldn't convert[2]. A delay occurred due to an injury to Brighton's Milos (details unspecified)[4].

Liverpool climbed to 8th with 26 points from 15 games (8-2-6)[2], bolstering their top-half push despite the injury woes. Slot's squad depth was tested, with Florian Wirtz adapting in a 4-2-3-1 setup[2]. Fans chanted for Salah as resilience prevailed, but Gomez's fresh blow raises concerns ahead of a congested schedule[1][2].

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