Liverpool injury update: Salah and Alisson near Aston Villa return

Mohamed Salah and Alisson are both “very, very close” to returning for Liverpool before Friday’s trip to Aston Villa. Arne Slot’s update also pointed to progress for Wataru Endo, while Hugo Ekitiké remains on a long recovery path after Achilles surgery.

How close are Salah and Alisson?

Liverpool’s own statement says it is anticipated Salah will return to action ahead of 2025-26’s conclusion and his departure from the Reds this summer. The club’s next league fixture is away to Aston Villa on May 15, and that is the obvious target date in the background of this update.

Slot was slightly more guarded on Alisson, saying simply: “Not yet ... very, very close.” That is still a significant step forward after nine consecutive matches missed. He has made 25 Premier League appearances this season, so Liverpool have gone a meaningful stretch without one of their most important players.

The broader picture is encouraging for Liverpool. Their last five league results read DLWWW, and the club are fourth in the Premier League, so a full-strength finish still matters even with the season entering its final stretch.

What does the rest of the injury picture look like?

Endo is back on the pitch in rehab work after being stretchered off at the Stadium of Light in February with an ankle injury. Slot said he is starting exercises outside with the rehab team, although he will not be available next week for United or the week after. The expectation is that he can return by the end of the season.

Ekitiké’s situation is far less immediate. Slot said the surgery went well after the ruptured Achilles tendon suffered against Paris Saint-Germain, but also stressed that the rehab process will take a long time. Liverpool have had to lean on depth because the forward’s recovery will not be a quick one.

For now, the main boost is simple enough. Salah and Alisson are both edging towards the squad again, and if they make it to Aston Villa on May 15, Liverpool will at least have two major pieces back in place for the final run-in.