Liverpool injury news including Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz updates

Liverpool beat West Ham 5-2 at Anfield on Saturday, but Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, Conor Bradley, Wataru Endo and Giovanni Leoni all missed out through injury

Alexander Isak is closing in on a return(Image: Getty Images)

Liverpool resumed its Premier League campaign on Saturday, cruising to a 5-2 victory over a struggling West Ham side.

Arne Slot's Reds were in excellent form at Anfield, despite several first-team regulars being absent through injury. Hugo Ekitike broke the deadlock just five minutes in, before Virgil van Dijk extended the lead midway through the opening period. Alexis Mac Allister maintained his impressive run of form just before half-time to send Liverpool into the interval with a 3-0 lead.

While the Hammers emerged with greater intent after the restart, Tomas Soucek scoring four minutes into the second half, it was ultimately the home side's afternoon to savor. Cody Gakpo added his name to the scoresheet with 20 minutes left before Valentin Castellanos reduced the deficit.

An own goal from Axel Disasi with 82 minutes on the clock wrapped up proceedings for the Reds, who now occupy fifth place in the Premier League table following their triumph. Nonetheless, several recognisable names were missing from Saturday's encounter due to various injuries.

Here, Liverpool.com provides an overview of all the players currently unavailable, along with their expected return dates...

Alexander Isak

Alexander Isak has been sidelined since suffering a fractured fibula in Liverpool's 2-1 victory over Tottenham in December and has subsequently undergone surgery on his injury. Speaking earlier this month, Slot confirmed that the striker has returned to light individual training as he continues his rehabilitation.

While the Dutchman was reluctant to set a specific timeframe for his return, he indicated that Isak could be back before the season's end if everything progresses according to plan. Slot said: "Alex has been on the pitch with his running shoes for the first time this week, so it will still be a while.

"The next step is doing work with the ball, and then going into the group - it takes a while before you're ready to play. Let's not put a timescale on it, but it's clear he will be available if things go as planned this season."

Potential return date: April/May

Florian Wirtz

Whilst the attacking midfielder was named in Liverpool's starting XI to face Nottingham Forest, Florian Wirtz withdrew from the squad due to a lower back injury before kick-off. Consequently, he also missed Saturday's match against West Ham.

Florian Wirtz is struggling with a back injury(Image: Getty Images)

When asked whether the German would be fit for Liverpool's upcoming midweek fixture against Wolves, Slot said: "I think that will be too early, but I said last week I didn't expect him not to be available today. Sometimes, with an injury, things can develop in a positive or negative way.

"Now we are thinking it doesn't have to take too long, but Tuesday will probably be too early. The week after will be tight – as things stand now. But as I said, I thought he would be available for today as well."

Potential return date: Wednesday, March 18 vs Galatasaray

Wataru Endo

Wataru Endo will be sidelined for the rest of the season after suffering an ankle injury requiring surgery against Sunderland earlier this month. Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu commented on the midfielder: "I've heard that he had surgery.

"I've heard that it went well, but I don't know the details of how it went. The plan is for him to be ready in time for the World Cup, so the rehabilitation process from surgery onwards is being considered. In order to play in the World Cup, he, the club, and we all share the same understanding."

Potential return date: Next season

Conor Bradley

Conor Bradley picked up a knee injury against Arsenal in January, which necessitated surgery. Consequently, he will also be unavailable for the remainder of the season with Liverpool.

Potential return date: Next season

Giovanni Leoni

Giovanni Leoni has been sidelined from Liverpool's first team since sustaining an ACL injury during his debut match against Southampton in September. He is not anticipated to make a comeback to competitive football until the forthcoming season.

Potential return date: Next season