Liverpool injury latest: Ekitike, Mamardashvili and Alisson updates before Crystal Palace

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Liverpool welcome Crystal Palace to Anfield on Saturday afternoon, but could be missing a raft of key players . Arne Slot is feeling the strain of a congested fixture list, with several of his first-choice stars unavailable due to various injuries.

At such a crucial juncture of the season, the Reds will need to be virtually flawless between now and next month to guarantee their spot in Europe for 2026/27. Liverpool currently sit fifth in the Premier League standings as they approach their final five fixtures against Palace, Manchester United , Chelsea , Aston Villa and Brentford .

Compounding the pressure, each of their rivals following this weekend's encounter with Palace are also vying for Champions League qualification for next term. While Slot would have hoped to have a full complement of players at his disposal as Liverpool chase a frantic finale, the Dutchman faces a substantial injury list to contend with.

Here, Mirror Football looks at all of the latest Liverpool injury updates ahead of Saturday's clash at Anfield...

Hugo Ekitike has undergone surgery on an Achilles tendon rupture he sustained during last week's Champions League reverse with Paris Saint-Germain on home soil. Not only is the Frenchman out for the rest of the season, but he will also miss this summer's Alisson .

Liverpool will also be without the forward for half of next season should reports suggesting he faces nine months on the sidelines prove accurate. Reflecting on Ekitike's misfortune, Slot said: "Devastating for him coming to a new club and having so much impact straight away.

"Playing against your former club in the Champions League quarter-final with so much to come for him in the summer. First thoughts are with him being out for such along time, missing out on so many special moments.

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"Not the first and not the last player who experienced something like this at the start of their career, and so many examples of players coming back even stronger. 100% he will be one of those who say maybe this injury makes me even stronger and more ready to play at an even higher level."

Potential return date - 2027

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The goalkeeper had been aiming to back towards the end of the month has been sidelined since last month's Champions League win over Mamardashvili was forced off during the Merseyside Derby . Although the precise nature of his problem has not been revealed, Giorgi Mamardashvili has stepped in as cover - though he too picked up a problem during the Merseyside derby.

Taking to social media, Alisson hinted that he Galatasaray , writing: "I didn't suffer a new injury. I'm in the treatment phase, and the plan is to be in full playing condition by the end of April!"

But Alisson isn't now expected to return to the fold until the trip to Manchester United on Sunday week. Slot has also said of the goalkeeper: "Towards the end of the season, we expect him to be fit."

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Potential return date - May 3 vs Manchester United

Liverpool's goalkeeping troubles went from bad to worse when Carabao Cup at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday with a knee problem. The Georgian was carried off on a stretcher as Freddie Woodman was brought on as his replacement, while the Reds claimed a 2-1 victory over Everton .

Reflecting on the goalkeeper following the final whistle, Slot said: "He is gone off to hospital. It looked to me, and it is also what they told me, an open wound. It will not be a long term injury let's see if he will be available next week."

Early reports have claimed the goalkeeper will be absent for about three weeks, which opens the door for Woodman to continue on Saturday against Palace.

Potential return date - May 9 vs Chelsea

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Giovanni Leoni has been absent from Liverpool's squad since Japan on his debut against Southampton in the suffering a ruptured ACL back in September. It has since been reported that the centre-back is unlikely to pull on a Liverpool shirt again until next season.

Potential return date - Next season

Wataru Endo has been on the sidelines since picking up a foot injury requiring surgery during February's away fixture at the Stadium of Light against Sunderland AFC . While he is anticipated to be fit in time to represent Japan at the World Cup, his Liverpool campaign is effectively over.

Potential return date - This summer

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Conor Bradley has also been sidelined since Liverpool's 0-0 draw with Arsenal back in January, after sustaining a knee injury late in the match. The full-back is similarly unlikely to feature again until next campaign.

Potential return date - Next season

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