Liverpool injury latest and returns dates including Hugo Ekitike and Mohamed Salah

Liverpool suffered yet another injury scare during the defeat to Brighton, with Hugo Ekitike's withdrawal adding to Arne Slot's worries as we enter the international break

Hugo Ekitike was forced off during the opening stages of Liverpool's defeat to Brighton(Image: Getty Images)

As if Liverpool's defeat at the hands of Brighton on Saturday wasn't bad enough, it came with yet another injury scare for the Reds.

A tenth league defeat this season provided another blow to Arne Slot’s side’s hopes of qualifying for next season’s Champions League, although Chelsea’s loss at Everton just a few hours later provided a reprieve.

Liverpool fans will be worried by yet another dismal display on the south coast, and the sight of Hugo Ekitike leaving the pitch in tears will only heighten their anxiety, with the Reds having already had two of their biggest names ruled out ahead of the game.

Here is the latest on the injury front for Liverpool after the defeat to Brighton, with Reds' players now heading out on international duty...

Hugo Ekitike

Liverpool fans will have been fearing the worst after seeing Ekitike in tears as he left the pitch just minutes into the defeat to Brighton on Saturday.

Rather more encouragingly though, the striker was seen taking his seat on the bench later in the first half, suggesting the knock he picked up after James Milner's hefty challenge wasn't too serious, with Slot seemingly backing up that viewpoint afterwards.

"Hugo, I think he could play tomorrow if he needed to," Slot said. "It was a dead leg, as you call it here I think."

Whether Ekitike withdraws from France's squad for upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Colombia remains to be seen, but if he goes ahead with his international duty, that will at least be a positive sign for the Reds.

Possible return date: April 4 vs Manchester City

Alisson Becker

Slot also provided an update on Alisson after he missed Saturday's trip to Brighton. News of yet another injury broke on Friday before the goalkeeper took to social media, revealing he will be out "for a while".

There's no indication yet of just how long that might entail, although given his record over recent years, any sort of injury for the Brazilian is always a concern.

"Alisson will definitely be out during the international break and let's see afterwards," Slot said after Saturday's game.

Possible return date: Unknown

Mohamed Salah

Slot will be keeping his fingers crossed that Mohamed Salah can make a swift recovery after he was forced off during Liverpool's Champions League win over Galatasaray.

Mohamed Salah had to be substituted after picking up an injury against Galatasaray(Image: Getty Images)

The Egyptian asked to be substituted during the second half, which is never a good sign, and is now set to miss the international break, with his country in action against Spain on March 31.

Liverpool and Slot will hope that his problem is nothing too serious, and that he can make his return after the break, but at this moment in time there is no clear indication of how long he could be out for.

Possible return date: Unknown

Alexander Isak

Alexander Isak is on his way back to action for Liverpool, having been spotted out on the grass at the AXA Training Centre recently.

The striker looks to be in the final stages of his recovery from a broken leg, having been out since picking up the injury against Tottenham in December. He is yet to join in with the rest of his teammates in training though, and Liverpool will not want to rush him back - even if Ekitike is out for longer than expected.

Slot has pinpointed the Champions League tie against Paris Saint-Germain as the target for the Swedish international's return, but no doubt Isak will have to be eased back into the fray.

Possible return date: April 8 vs PSG

Wataru Endo

Wataru Endo is facing a race against time if he is to return before the end of the season. No official word has been given on just how long the Japan international will be out for after being stretchered off against Sunderland.

Japan boss Hajime Moriyasu has revealed that he underwent surgery after that game last month, and is expected to be fit for this summer's World Cup. Whether he will be able to feature again for Liverpool this season remains to be seen, though.

Possible return date: End of May

Conor Bradley

Conor Bradley's season is already over, having sustained a serious knee injury against Arsenal in January that required surgery. The right-back will be keeping his fingers crossed during the international break that Northern Ireland can reach the World Cup.

His country faces Italy in a play-off, with the winner going on to face either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina for a spot at the tournament. Should Northern Ireland get there, Bradley will be hoping to recover in time to play a part.

Possible return date: 2026/27 season

Giovanni Leoni

Like Bradley, Giovanni Leoni is not expected to be back for Liverpool again this season. The young Italian's season was brought to a premature end when he ruptured his ACL on his debut against Southampton back in September.

He has been seen in recent videos from the AXA Training Centre, although not in any sessions out on the pitch, as he continues his rehab. It won't be until next season when Leoni sees the pitch again, when hopefully he will be able to get a lot more opportunities.

Possible return date: 2026/27 season