Liverpool could be without 5 players for Leeds despite Dominik Szoboszlai boost

• Liverpool FC News
• Features
• Liverpool FC

Liverpool will be without a number of senior players when it hosts Leeds United on New Year's Day, with Arne Slot's squad numbers remaining depleted despite Dominik Szoboszlai's return from suspension

Arne Slot will be without a number of players(Image: 2025 James Gill - Danehouse)

Liverpool are set to welcome back Dominik Szoboszlai from suspension when they face Leeds United at home on New Year's Day. However, Arne Slot will still be missing several key players for the Reds' first match of 2026.

The Dutch manager has had to rely on a relatively inexperienced bench in recent Liverpool games, with youngsters Rio Ngumoha, Trey Nyoni and Wellity Lucky joining the likes of Calvin Ramsay and Freddie Woodman to fill the squad.

Despite welcoming Cody Gakpo back from injury for their win over Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend, and Conor Bradley being declared fit enough for a spot on the bench after being forced off against Tottenham Hotspur the previous week, Slot's squad remains thin.

As a result, the Liverpool boss is likely to be without five senior players for Leeds' visit to Anfield on Thursday.

Giovanni Leoni is out for the season following surgery on an ACL injury sustained on his debut in September, while Alexander Isak is also sidelined long-term after breaking his leg whilst scoring against Spurs earlier this month.

Liverpool will also be missing Mohamed Salah for at least two more games after he helped Egypt progress to the knockout stages of the Africa Cup of Nations.

Meanwhile, Wataru Endo's participation remains uncertain after missing the Reds' last four matches due to an ankle injury. He was seen in the gym with his team-mates on Tuesday, but didn't seem to join the team session on the pitch.

Florian Wirtz of Liverpool during the Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers.(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)

Joe Gomez was also absent, having missed Liverpool's previous two games following a hamstring injury sustained in the win over Brighton and Hove Albion earlier this month.

Florian Wirtz was not seen participating in team training either, with the reason for his absence yet to be clarified.

The German was at least spotted in the canteen in his training gear, suggesting that his non-participation in team training doesn't necessarily mean he's doubtful for the Leeds match.

After all, Ibrahima Konate wasn't seen in team training twice last week, but still made the starting line-up against Wolves.

However, the Frenchman will face a one-match ban if he receives his fifth Premier League yellow card of the season in the Leeds game.

Young talents Stefan Bajcetic, Jayden Danns (both hamstring) and Kaide Gordon (meniscus) are also still out of action due to injuries.