Key Points
- Liverpool face potential absences of up to six key players for their Champions League clash against Qarabag at Anfield.
- Federico Chiesa has missed recent matches but trained ahead of the game, while Hugo Ekitike could return to the starting lineup.
- Milos Kerkez and Joe Gomez are confirmed to miss out, with Andy Robertson and Cody Gakpo coming into the side.
- Liverpool have only one senior specialist centre-back available due to multiple injuries.
- Qarabag made 11 changes in their last match and sit 18th in the league-phase standings.
Liverpool (Liverpool Standard) January 28, 2026 – Liverpool could be without six stars for their crucial Champions League encounter with Qarabag at Anfield on Wednesday night.
Manager Arne Slot faces selection dilemmas with injuries and rotation impacting his squad depth ahead of the league-phase fixture. The Reds aim to strengthen their position while Qarabag seek knockout play-off qualification.
Which Liverpool players are at risk of missing the Qarabag match?
Reports indicate Liverpool will be severely depleted in defence, with only one senior specialist centre-back available according to This Is Anfield. Milos Kerkez and Joe Gomez miss out entirely, prompting changes including Andy Robertson and Cody Gakpo in the lineup.
As reported by Liverpool FC official channels, Federico Chiesa sat out the previous two matches but participated in training on the eve of the game. Hugo Ekitike, recently recovered from a two-week injury layoff, may start after bench duty against Bournemouth.
What challenges does Qarabag present to Liverpool?
Qarabag sit 18th in the Champions League league-phase standings and made 11 changes for their recent 0-2 domestic defeat to Kapaz. Players Kevin Medina and Matheus Silva walk a disciplinary tightrope, while Kady Borges returns from injury.
How has Qarabag’s coach responded to the upcoming test?
Head coach Gurban Gurbanov expressed confidence in his squad, stating: “The players in this team are very good players and we want to play very good. I believe in my players. Tomorrow they will show a very good game and play well. This is a very difficult game that we’re entering,” as quoted by Liverpool FC reporters.
What are the implications for Liverpool’s squad rotation?
Slot must manage limited resources, particularly with just one available No.9 striker in the coming months, influencing decisions like Ekitike’s minutes. The confirmed Liverpool XI includes Alisson, Frimpong, Gravenberch, Van Dijk, Robertson, Mac Allister, alongside other key figures.
The match kicks off at 8pm GMT, broadcast live on TNT Sports 2 in the UK, with Liverpool seeking to capitalise on home advantage despite the absences.
