As the Premier League prepares for another high-stakes showdown at Anfield, both Liverpool and Newcastle United find themselves grappling with a significant list of absentees.
The buildup to this clash has been dominated by medical reports and cautious updates from the managers, suggesting that both Arne Slot and Eddie Howe will have to dig deep into their squads to field a competitive side. Depending on the results of a final fitness test for one of the league’s most influential midfielders, we could see as many as nine first-team players watching from the sidelines.
The biggest question mark for the visiting Magpies surrounds their captain and talisman, Bruno Guimaraes. The Brazilian midfielder has been nursing a stubborn ankle injury that has kept fans and coaching staff on edge.
While he traveled with the team for their recent Champions League trip to Paris, his involvement was mostly as a supportive figure rather than a dynamic presence on the pitch. Eddie Howe admitted in his pre-match briefing that the situation remains “slightly unknown.”
Guimaraes attempted light training recently, but Howe was careful to describe it more as a physical test than a full return to intensity. Given his importance to the team’s structure, there is a possibility he could be risked on the bench, but a starting role seems like a gamble that could backfire if the injury hasn’t fully settled.
While Newcastle waits on their captain, Liverpool has received a boost in their defensive ranks with the return of Ibrahima Konate. The French center-back has been away for personal reasons following the tragic passing of his father.
His return to England is timely, especially since the Reds are currently facing a shortage of specialized defenders. Joe Gomez, who had been filling in admirably, picked up a knock last weekend that has officially ruled him out of the Newcastle fixture.
Arne Slot confirmed that while Gomez isn’t expected to be out for the long haul, he simply won’t be ready in time for the weekend.
Konate’s availability will allow Ryan Gravenberch to return to his natural midfield role. During the midweek game against Qarabag, the lack of fit defenders forced Gravenberch to drop into the backline, a move that highlighted Liverpool’s current vulnerability.
That game also saw a worrying moment for summer signing Jeremie Frimpong, who had to be substituted early after suffering a hamstring injury. While the initial sight of Frimpong clutching his leg suggested a long-term layoff, Slot offered a bit of “positive from the negative” by revealing the damage isn’t as severe as first feared. Nevertheless, Frimpong is expected to miss the next few weeks of action.
In the midfield, Liverpool welcomes back Curtis Jones, who missed the European tie due to illness. His return is a welcome relief for Slot, though it comes at a time when the rumor mill is spinning rapidly.
Reports have surfaced suggesting Inter Milan is in direct talks for a late January loan move for the midfielder. Whether these off-field distractions affect his involvement against Newcastle remains to be seen, but on paper, he is fit and available for selection.
The news is less encouraging regarding Liverpool’s star striker, Alexander Isak. The Swedish international is one of three long-term absentees, alongside Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni. Slot gave a blunt update on Isak’s progress, noting that the forward has only just moved out of a protective walking boot.
He hasn’t even begun training on the grass yet, meaning it will be quite a while before he is leading the line at Anfield again.
Newcastle’s injury list is equally daunting. Beyond the uncertainty of Guimaraes, the Magpies will be without Joelinton, who is dealing with a groin problem. This absence leaves a massive void in the physical and defensive aspects of their midfield.
Furthermore, the defensive line is severely depleted. Fabian Schar remains unavailable, and Emil Krafth is still on the long road to recovery following a serious knee injury.
There is also growing concern over the fitness of young full-back Tino Livramento. Initially thought to be a short-term issue, Eddie Howe revealed that Livramento is undergoing a second scan to get a clearer picture of his recovery. The hope is that he can begin outdoor running soon, but the current estimate for his return to competitive play isn’t until early March.
As both teams head into the tunnel at Anfield, the tactical battle will likely be won by whichever manager can best patch over these significant holes. For Liverpool, the focus will be on maintaining their defensive discipline with a reshuffled backline.
For Newcastle, the priority will be finding a way to compete in the middle of the park without the powerhouse duo of Joelinton and a fully fit Guimaraes. With nine players potentially missing and a few more playing through the pain, this match will be a true test of squad depth and resilience.
