Liverpool Could Be Without 5 Players for Leeds Despite Dominik Szoboszlai Boost

Liverpool FC faces a crucial Premier League clash against Leeds United at Anfield on New Year's Day, but manager Arne Slot could be without up to five key players due to injuries and suspension risks, despite the welcome return of midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai[1].

Szoboszlai's Return

The Hungarian international is back after serving a one-match Premier League suspension for the December 27 game against Wolverhampton Wanderers. Szoboszlai picked up his fifth yellow card of the season in the victory over Tottenham Hotspur, forcing him to sit out the Wolves fixture. His availability provides a significant boost to Liverpool's midfield options ahead of the high-stakes Leeds encounter[1][2].

Injury Concerns

• Joe Gomez: The versatile defender has been sidelined since suffering a muscle injury in the first half of the win against Brighton & Hove Albion on December 13. He is yet to return to action[1].
• Alexander Isak: The forward faces a lengthy absence after ankle surgery for a fibula fracture sustained while scoring against Tottenham on December 20. Slot described it as a "long injury" lasting a couple of months, a major blow for the team[1].
• Giovanni Leoni: The young defender is out for up to a year following an ACL injury at the end of his debut against Southampton in the Carabao Cup. Slot noted the emotional toll on the newcomer[1].

Suspension Risks

Ibrahima Konate is one booking away from a one-match Premier League ban if cautioned against Leeds. Similarly, Conor Bradley risks a Champions League suspension with another yellow[1].

With Mohamed Salah currently on international duty after scoring for Egypt in the Africa Cup of Nations group stage, Liverpool must navigate these absences carefully to maintain their title push. Slot remains confident in Isak's recovery for the 2025-26 season, but the immediate focus is on securing points against a resurgent Leeds side[1].

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