13 players could miss Liverpool vs Barnsley after Conor Bradley and Hugo Ekitike updates

Liverpool faces Barnsley in the third round of the FA Cup at Anfield later, with both sides set to be without some key players after another injury setback for the Reds

Conor Bradley is out of Liverpool's game against Barnsley, while Hugo Ekitike could also be missing(Image: Getty Images)

Liverpool and Barnsley could be without a number of key players as they do battle in the third round of the FA Cup later at Anfield.

The Reds begin the road to Wembley as they look to avoid the same fate as some of their Premier League rivals, with the likes of Manchester United, Everton and Crystal Palace having already fallen at the first hurdle.

Arne Slot seems keen to not suffer another cup shock after being embarrassed by Plymouth last season, with the Liverpool boss hinting that he will name a strong side - although we can probably still expect plenty of changes.

The Reds will be limited by a number of key absences though, with Conor Bradley the latest name to be added to the injury list. The right-back will miss the rest of the season with what the club has described as a “significant” knee injury, with surgery set to follow in the coming days.

He joins Alexander Isak and Giovanni Leoni on the sidelines, while youngsters Jayden Danns and Stefan Bajcetic also remain out. James McConnell could have been in contention to feature after returning from his loan at Ajax, although the midfielder is thought to be nursing an injury.

Slot has revealed Hugo Ekitike could return after missing the last two games against Fulham and Arsenal, although there might not be much sense in risking the striker with some important Premier League and Champions League games coming up.

Arne Slot has revealed Hugo Ekitike could return against Barnsley(Image: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)

Wataru Endo is expected to return to training in the coming days, although today’s game will come too soon for him, while Mohamed Salah is still away at the Africa Cup of Nations, and won’t now return until next week’s game against Marseille at the earliest after Egypt reached the semi-finals.

As for the visitors, Barnsley will be without club captain Luca Connell, with the midfielder serving a three-match ban after being sent off against Wigan on New Year’s Day.

Left-back Nathanael Ogbeta has returned to training, although he could still be a doubt for today’s game, having not played since a 1-1 draw with Stockport on November 29.

Meanwhile, defenders Marc Roberts and Georgie Gent have both been described as “touch and go” by Tykes boss Conor Hourihane.

Barnsley sits 17th in League One, just a couple of points off the relegation zone, but the Yorkshire club will be hoping to put their league struggles behind them as they go in search of a major upset at Anfield.

“We’re really excited to be able to test ourselves against one of the best teams in the world. We expect a really tough occasion, of course, but one that the lads need to be ready for and fully prepared for,” Hourihane said.

“It’s difficult to know what personnel will be out there. Are the big boys going to play, or will they go a little bit weaker? Either way, we need to be ready and have a game plan. I want the lads to maximise the opportunity and express themselves.”