Liverpool injury latest and return dates including Rio Ngumoha and Conor Bradley updates

Liverpool was handed another injury scare against Barnsley on a night when Arne Slot was handed a couple of boosts, having been given bad news on Conor Bradley at the weekend

Rio Ngumoha gave Liverpool an injury scare against Barnsley(Image: Getty Images)

Liverpool has been handed yet another injury scare following Monday’s win over Barnsley in the FA Cup - although Arne Slot has also been handed a couple of much-needed boosts.

Despite wrapping up a 4-1 win that will see the Reds host Brighton in the fourth round next month, it proved to be a mixed night for Liverpool, for whom the scoreline might have been a little flattering. Dominik Szoboszlai’s moment of madness certainly didn’t help matters.

There were a couple of positives for Slot though, not least the return of Hugo Ekitike from his recent injury as he came off the bench to score and assist.

Wataru Endo also made something of a surprise return to the bench after Slot revealed that he would make a return to training this week, but the night did throw up another injury concern.

Here’s the latest on the injury front for Liverpool…

Rio Ngumoha

Slot played down fears over a potential injury to Rio Ngumoha after the young winger gave Liverpool a scare against Barnsley. The 17-year-old was seen stretching his leg before receiving treatment, and eventually being substituted.

The Reds' boss didn't seem too concerned though when speaking to TNT Sports after the game. "That's cramp, I hope. I expect it to be cramp," Slot said, adding: "[Ngumoha's injury] is not so strange because he hasn't made that many minutes this season, and today he made [73]."

Possible return date: January 17 vs Burnley

Conor Bradley

Conor Bradley's season is over, at least as Liverpool is concerned, with the right-back needing to undergo surgery on the knee injury he suffered against Arsenal.

Although the problem is not thought to be an ACL, as first speculated, Bradley is understood to have suffered damage to bone and ligament. He will therefore miss the rest of the Reds' campaign, and it remains to be seen whether he will be able to go to the World Cup should Northern Ireland qualify.

Possible return date: 2026/27 season

Conor Bradley has sustained a 'significant' knee injury, Liverpool has confirmed(Image: Getty Images)

Alexander Isak

Alexander Isak hopefully won't be out as long as Bradley, although the striker faces a long lay-off anyway after breaking his leg against Tottenham.

Having undergone surgery on a fractured fibula, the Sweden international is expected to be out for at least a couple of months, although Slot has indicated that he should be able to return before the end of the season.

Possible return date: April/May

Giovanni Leoni

Another long-term absentee, like Bradley, Giovanni Leoni is not expected back before the end of the season, having ruptured his ACL on his debut against Southampton in September.

The Italian underwent surgery soon after, but he will likely have to wait until at least pre-season now to get back into training, but he won't be rushed back given the nature of his injury.

Possible return date: 2026/27 season