Team News: Six Liverpool stars set to miss Wolves clash

Liverpool v Wolves team news: Isak setback, Gomez absence and Szoboszlai suspension frame Anfield clash

Liverpool’s Premier League meeting with Wolverhampton Wanderers arrives with momentum on their side but also with several selection headaches that shape the narrative ahead of kick-off at Anfield. Fitness calls, enforced absences and returning options all combine to give the match a familiar feel: Liverpool strong favourites, yet far from settled.

Arne Slot’s side are coming off an impressive away victory in north London, a result that underlined both their attacking depth and growing tactical control. However, the build-up has been dominated less by form and more by availability, with Isak, Gomez and Szoboszlai central to the discussion.

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Isak injury update changes Liverpool depth picture

Alexander Isak’s situation is now clear, and it is not positive. The striker has undergone surgery on an ankle issue that includes a fibula fracture, ruling him out for the foreseeable future. It is an early blow in what was expected to be a key period of his season, and it removes a valuable option from Liverpool’s attacking rotation.

Slot confirmed Isak is only at the beginning of his rehabilitation, with no short-term return on the horizon. His absence places added responsibility on Liverpool’s remaining forwards and further underlines the need for careful load management over a congested festive schedule.

With Isak sidelined, Liverpool lose a profile that offers both physical presence and mobility between the lines. While his minutes had been managed, the injury comes at a point when rotation would have been most useful. The wider impact is less about one fixture and more about squad balance as the season tightens.

Gomez and defensive availability concerns

Joe Gomez also remains unavailable, continuing his spell on the sidelines and limiting Slot’s defensive flexibility. Gomez’s importance has grown steadily due to his ability to cover multiple positions across the back line, particularly in matches where Liverpool need to adapt shape mid-game.

Without Gomez, Liverpool are forced into more predictable defensive configurations. While Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté remain first-choice options, the lack of an experienced alternative places emphasis on discipline and fitness, especially with fixtures arriving every few days.

Elsewhere at the back, there is more encouraging news. Jeremie Frimpong has returned from a two-month absence and made his comeback as a second-half substitute last weekend. That appearance, limited to around half an hour, was pre-planned but has put him firmly in contention to start. Slot has indicated Frimpong is now physically capable of doing so, should the tactical call be made.

Szoboszlai suspension reshapes midfield

Dominik Szoboszlai’s absence is unavoidable. The midfielder serves a suspension and will watch from the stands, depriving Liverpool of one of their most dynamic influences. Szoboszlai’s ability to carry the ball, press aggressively and contribute in the final third has been a defining feature of Liverpool’s midfield balance this season.

Without Szoboszlai, Slot faces a choice: replicate his energy collectively or adjust the structure entirely. Liverpool have the technical options to compensate, but replacing Szoboszlai is rarely a like-for-like exercise. His absence may tilt Liverpool towards greater control rather than verticality, particularly against a Wolves side expected to defend deep and counter quickly.

There is, however, reassurance elsewhere. Any fitness concerns around Florian Wirtz have been dismissed, with the player expected to be fully available after being withdrawn late in the previous match. His presence helps soften the blow of Szoboszlai’s suspension and ensures creativity remains high on the pitch.

Wolves challenges and match context

Wolves arrive at Anfield dealing with their own problems. Captain Toti Gomes has been ruled out for weeks with a hamstring injury, a significant loss for their defensive organisation. There is better news in the return of Hugo Bueno to training and the availability of Yerson Mosquera following suspension, but depth remains stretched.

Liverpool’s recent record at Anfield, combined with Wolves’ injury list, makes the hosts clear favourites. Yet this fixture is shaped less by opposition threat and more by how effectively Liverpool adapt to key absences. Isak’s injury removes an attacking option, Gomez’s absence limits defensive rotation, and Szoboszlai’s suspension forces a midfield rethink.

For Slot, the task is familiar: manage disruption without disrupting momentum. If Liverpool succeed, this match becomes another step forward. If not, it serves as a reminder that even strong squads feel the strain when key pieces are missing.