10 players could miss Liverpool’s clash against Aston Villa as surgery is considered

Liverpool’s intense fixture schedule continues as they prepare to face Aston Villa at Villa Park on Wednesday (7.30pm GMT). The Reds are looking to maintain their lead at the top of the Premier League table, but injuries could play a crucial role in determining their fortunes.

After a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers, Liverpool restored their seven-point cushion at the summit. However, Arne Slot’s side showed signs of fatigue, especially in the second half, where they failed to register a single shot on target. The mental and physical toll of their recent fixtures is becoming increasingly apparent.

Slot admitted that the psychological impact of conceding a last-minute equalizer against Everton in the Merseyside derby took a toll on his players. Speaking after the Wolves game, he said: “It’s not just about working hard; mentally, those last eight minutes against Everton drained us. You could see how tough it was for the players to bounce back.”

With crucial fixtures against Villa and Manchester City coming up, Slot will be hoping his squad can regroup and find the necessary energy to secure results. The challenge will be even greater, given the growing injury list within the team.

Aston Villa Team News

Despite sitting ninth in the table, Aston Villa remains a dangerous opponent. Unai Emery’s side has struggled with consistency, partly due to the demands of Champions League football. However, Villa reinforced their squad in the January transfer window, bringing in Marcus Rashford, Donyell Malen, Marco Asensio, and Andres Garcia.

Ahead of the match, Villa is dealing with injury concerns of their own:

• Pau Torres (Foot injury, out since January)
• Amadou Onana (Hamstring injury, out)
• Matty Cash (Muscle injury, out for at least another week)
• Ezri Konsa (Doubtful, missed Ipswich game due to a setback)
• Ross Barkley (Calf issue, missed last eight games, doubtful)
• Boubacar Kamara (Forced off in the last match, extent of injury unknown)
• Leon Bailey (Minor issue, expected to be fit)

Liverpool Team News

Liverpool’s squad has also been hit hard by injuries, adding to Slot’s concerns. The most pressing news is that Joe Gomez may require surgery, potentially ruling him out for an extended period.

• Joe Gomez (Hamstring injury, could need surgery, out)
• Tyler Morton (Shoulder surgery, out for the season)
• Cody Gakpo (Doubtful, recovering from a knock suffered against Everton)
• Curtis Jones (Returns from a one-match suspension after being sent off against Everton)

Key Players to Watch

Liverpool’s attack will rely heavily on Mohamed Salah, who is chasing history with his goal contributions. With Gakpo possibly unavailable, Diogo Jota and Darwin Núñez will be expected to step up. Meanwhile, Villa’s January signing Marcus Rashford will be keen to make an impact against his former club’s arch-rival.

Tactical Battle

Villa’s style under Emery involves playing out from the back and attacking through wide areas. Liverpool, on the other hand, will look to press high and exploit Villa’s defensive weaknesses. If the Reds can control possession and avoid defensive lapses, they have a strong chance of leaving Villa Park with all three points.

The Bigger Picture

This match could have massive implications on the Premier League title race. With Manchester City also chasing the top spot, any slip-up from Liverpool could prove costly. The Reds must be wary of Villa’s unpredictability, especially at home.

As the game approaches, all eyes will be on whether Liverpool can overcome their injury struggles and continue their push for the title. Can they rise above the adversity, or will Villa pull off a surprise? Wednesday night will provide the answers.