Liverpool vs Chelsea Match Preview: Key Absences and Impact

Liverpool host Chelsea at Anfield on 9 May 2026 in Premier League Regular Season - 36. Liverpool sit 4th on 58 points with a goal difference of 12, while Chelsea are 9th with 48 points and a goal difference of 6.

Liverpool Availability

Liverpool face significant absences.

• S. Bajcetic (Hamstring Injury) is sidelined.
• C. Bradley (Knee Injury) is sidelined.
• H. Ekitike (Achilles Tendon Injury) is sidelined – a major blow given his 11 goals and 4 assists in league play.
• W. Endo (Foot Injury) is sidelined.
• G. Leoni (Knee Injury) is sidelined.
• G. Mamardashvili (Knee Injury) is sidelined.
• M. Salah (Thigh Injury) is sidelined – another major blow as he has 7 goals and 6 assists.
• Alisson (Muscle Injury) is doubtful.
• A. Isak (Muscle Injury) is doubtful.

Key creators D. Szoboszlai, C. Gakpo and F. Wirtz are available to shoulder the attacking burden.

Chelsea Availability

Chelsea are also depleted.

• J. Derry (Concussion) is sidelined.
• Estêvão (Hamstring Injury) is sidelined.
• M. Mudryk (Suspended) is sidelined.
• A. Garnacho (Inactive) is doubtful.
• J. Gittens (Muscle Injury) is doubtful.
• P. Neto (Inactive) is doubtful.
• R. Sanchez (Concussion) is doubtful.

Top scorer and creator João Pedro (15 goals, 5 assists) is available and will be central to Chelsea’s threat.

Impact Summary

Liverpool lose substantial attacking output with H. Ekitike and M. Salah sidelined, removing 18 league goals and 10 assists. Chelsea’s main attacking core remains intact through João Pedro, but the loss of wide options like M. Mudryk and doubts over P. Neto and A. Garnacho reduce their flexibility in the final third.