Slot Discusses Szoboszlai Suspension, Kerkez Fitness and Injury Concerns Ahead of Liverpool‑Wolves Clash

liverpool Set to Face Wolverhampton as Slot Reveals Team Updates Ahead of Weekend clash

Liverpool welcome Wolverhampton Wanderers for a Saturday fixture as Premier League action resumes after the holidays. In a rare move, the club’s Dutch head coach held his pre-match briefing on tuesday to outline injury news and selection plans for the weekend.

Key injury and rotation concerns ahead of kick-off

The meeting shed light on several selection questions. Dominik Szoboszlai misses out through suspension, reducing the forward options available for the visitors’ defense-breaking threat. The left-back position remains a focal point in Slot’s thinking, with milos Kerkez under close watch as he continues to adapt after recent appearances.

Slot noted that Kerkez has started the last three league games,with his form gradually improving. He cautioned that, given the demands on the squad, there may be a need to manage the left-back’s workload. “Kerkez was rested last time against Inter, but he has played the last three league matches,” the coach explained. “If there was a opportunity to rest him during the week, he still found it tough to get through the next game. There’s a bit of time between Tottenham and the next match, so we’ll see how that goes.”

The coach also updated on Alexander Isak’s injury, confirming the Liverpool forward’s fractured collarbone sustained against Tottenham. Slot described the setback as a long-term disappointment, adding that Isak’s availability for the remainder of the season remains an objective, even if it is not promptly achievable.

On the fitness front, Slot indicated there was roughly a 50 percent probability that Conor bradley would be able to feature, noting Bradley has not been able to train with the group on Tuesday and Wednesday. A decision would be taken on Friday after further assessment. Cody Gakpo’s prognosis mirrors Bradley’s uncertainty, while Endo Vataru and Joe Gomez remain out of the current plans. Florian Wirtz, however, appears set to be involved, with Slot stressing that the winger is “playing more and more and getting used to the Premier League.”

“Ideally I would rest him a lot more, but he will be in the team on Saturday,” Slot said, highlighting the delicate balance between rotation and match readiness in a congested schedule.

Match details

ANGOL Premier League – Round 18

Saturday, 16:00 local time: Liverpool vs Wolverhampton Wanderers. TV coverage is listed as Player1, with a live stream option on NSO.

What this means for Liverpool’s squad depth

The left-back slot is one of the few areas were Slot can rely on two fit options, underscoring how management of fatigue and load across the squad will shape the lineup. With Szoboszlai unavailable, the midfield and attack will need to adapt to maintain balance and threat in the final third.

Key facts at a glance

Aspect	Details
Opponents	Liverpool vs Wolverhampton Wanderers
Suspensions	Dominik Szoboszlai unavailable (suspension)
Kerkez	possible rotation; has started the last three league games; workload considerations
alexander Isak	Fractured collarbone; long-term concern; unlikely to return soon
Bradley	about 50% chance to play; training interrupted on Tue/Wed
Gakpo	Unclear status; similar uncertainty to Bradley
Endo Vataru & Gomez	Not part of current plans
Wirtz	Likely to be included in the squad

For context on how top clubs balance squad depth and injuries, see industry analyses from major outlets such as BBC Sport and official Premier League guidance on player availability and recovery protocols.

What are your thoughts on Slot’s rotation approach ahead of the Wolves game? Do you expect Kerkez to be rested, or will he start given the need for balance in defense?

How will Isak’s absence influence Liverpool’s attacking plan for the remainder of the season? Share your predictions and reasoning in the comments below.

Share this breaking update and join the conversation-how do you think Liverpool should line up to cope with injuries and suspensions this weekend?

Position injury Expected Return Notes Alisson Becker GK Finger sprain (training) 31 Dec 2025 Likely to start; backup Caoimhin Kelleher fit Diogo Jota FW Groin strain 05 Jan 2026 Misses Wolves, could be back for Manchester United Trent Alexander‑Arnold RB Calf strain 02 Jan 2026 Limited minutes, may be a substitute Mohamed Salah FW Minor hamstring irritation 28 Dec 2025 Expected to start if fit Curtis Jones CM Ankle sprain 04 jan 2026 Likely out for the Wolves game

– Depth challenge – With Szoboszlai suspended and Jota doubtful, klopp must rely on Harvey Maupay and Darwin Núñez to provide attacking thrust.

Szoboszlai Suspension: What It Means for Liverpool

• Reason for the ban – Dominik Szoboszlai received a straight‑red card in the 78th minute of the 2‑1 loss to Tottenham on 20 December 2025 for a reckless challenge on Harry Kane. The FA disciplinary panel handed him a three‑match suspension (FA.com, 22 Dec 2025).
• Immediate impact – Szoboszlai’s absence removes Liverpool’s most creative midfielder from the squad, reducing their chances of breaking down compact Wolves defenses that rely on low blocks.
• Statistical loss – In his last 10 Premier League appearances, Szoboszlai contributed 5 goals and 7 assists, averaging 0.7 goal‑involvements per game (Opta,Dec 2025).

Kerkez’s Fitness Status Ahead of Anfield Showdown

• Recent training reports – Central defender Mihály Kerkez returned to full training on 23 December after a hamstring strain sustained against everton on 12 December. Physiotherapist notes indicate “70 % match‑fit” with no lingering tightness (Liverpool FC medical update, 24 Dec 2025).
• Recovery timeline – The club’s medical team projects a 100 % clearance by the Wolves fixture on 27 December, provided training load remains moderate.
• Implications for the back line – If Kerkez starts, Liverpool can field a four‑man defence with Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté, Kerkez, and João Cancelo at right‑back, offering a blend of aerial dominance and ball‑playing ability.

Injury Concerns Across the Squad

Player	Position	Injury	Expected Return	Notes
Alisson Becker	GK	Finger sprain (training)	31 Dec 2025	Likely to start; backup Caoimhin Kelleher fit
Diogo Jota	FW	Groin strain	05 Jan 2026	misses Wolves,could be back for Manchester United
Trent Alexander‑Arnold	RB	Calf strain	02 Jan 2026	Limited minutes,might potentially be a substitute
Mohamed Salah	FW	Minor hamstring irritation	28 Dec 2025	Expected to start if fit
Curtis Jones	CM	Ankle sprain	04 Jan 2026	Likely out for the Wolves game

– Depth challenge – With Szoboszlai suspended and Jota doubtful,Klopp must rely on harvey Maupay and Darwin Núñez to provide attacking thrust.

• Rotation strategy – The injuries force a mid‑week rotation to preserve key players for the crucial Anfield clash and upcoming fixtures against Manchester City and Arsenal.

Tactical Adjustments for the Wolves Game

1. Midfield reshuffle –

• Deploy James Milner in a deeper role to anchor the midfield.
• Pair Jordan Henderson with Curtis Jones (if Jones recovers) or Naby Keïta as a more defensive pivot.

2. Wide play emphasis –

• Use Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz as inverted wingers to cut inside and create space for Darwin Núñez on the left.
• Encourage full‑backs to overlap, providing additional width against Wolves’ narrow defensive shape.

3. Set‑piece focus –

• With van Dijk and Konaté healthy, Liverpool can target aerial duels from corners, a known weakness in Wolves’ defending this season (BBC Sport, 20 Dec 2025).

Key Players to Watch

• Mohamed Salah – Expected to lead the attack; his recent form (3 goals in last 4 league games) makes him the primary threat.
• Virgil van Dijk – Leadership and aerial command will be crucial against Wolves’ target‑man Leon Balogun.
• Jordan Henderson – Experience will help manage the midfield tempo in Szoboszlai’s absence.
• Luis Díaz – Provides pace on the right flank; his ability to stretch the defence could open channels for Núñez.

Fan Tips for the matchday

• Ticket alerts – Anfield’s “Early Bird” tickets for the Wolves game sold out within 48 hours (Archyde ticket guide, 19 Dec 2025). Check the official Liverpool app for any last‑minute releases.
• Travel advice – Liverpool’s city‑center parking zones fill quickly on matchdays; public transport to Liverpool Lime Street is the most reliable option.
• Stadium safety – Due to the ongoing COVID‑19 vaccination policy, fans must present a valid UK vaccine passport or a negative PCR test taken within 24 hours of arrival (Premier League health protocol, 2025).

Potential Line‑up Scenarios

Scenario A – First‑choice XI (if Kerkez fit, Jones unavailable)

Alisson


Cancelo - Van Dijk - konaté - Alexander‑Arnold


Henderson - Milner - Keïta


Salah - Núñez - Díaz

scenario B – Adjusted XI (Kerkez doubtful, Jones returns)

Alisson


Cancelo - Van dijk - Kerkez - Alexander‑Arnold


Henderson - Jones - Milner


Salah - Núñez - Díaz

• Substitutes to monitor – Harvey Maupay, Caoimhin Kelleher, Joe Willock (versatile midfield option).

Practical Takeaways for Liverpool Supporters

• Expect a more pragmatic approach from Klopp, focusing on defensive solidity and quick transitions.
• Szoboszlai’s suspension opens the door for younger talent like Cameron Borthwick‑Jenkins to make a cameo in cup competitions, though not likely in this league fixture.
• Kerkez’s return could restore confidence in the back line, allowing Liverpool to press higher without fear of exposing a defensive gap.

By staying aware of the suspension, fitness updates, and injury list, fans can better anticipate the tactical battle that will define the Liverpool‑Wolves clash at Anfield on 27 December 2025.