Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak headline Liverpool absentees for Brentford finale

Liverpool will head into their final Premier League game of the season against Brentford without several key players, with Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak among the notable names expected to miss Sunday’s clash at Anfield.

Manager Arne Slot is preparing for the season finale with a depleted squad as injuries continue to disrupt his plans. The Reds are looking to close the campaign on a positive note after a difficult run of form that has seen them win only four of their last 13 matches in all competitions.

Liverpool’s recent struggles at home have also raised concern. The Merseyside club have managed just one goal in four of their seven home games against sides currently in the top nine, an unusually blunt return for a team that had spent large parts of the campaign among the league’s most dangerous attacking sides.

Despite those issues, Liverpool will take confidence from their recent record against Brentford, having won six of the last nine meetings between the two clubs. However, the visitors already proved earlier this season that they can trouble Slot’s side.

Back in October 2025, Brentford claimed an entertaining 3-2 victory over Liverpool at the Gtech Community Stadium, exposing defensive frailties that have resurfaced at different points during the season. With another demanding encounter expected on Sunday, Slot is once again being forced to reshuffle his squad.

Long injury list grows ahead of final day

Liverpool will definitely be without Conor Bradley, who is sidelined with a knee injury, while Ekitike has also been ruled out because of a calf, shin and heel problem. Defender Giovanni Leoni remains unavailable with a knee issue, Jeremie Frimpong is out with a thigh injury and Wataru Endo is recovering from an ankle and foot problem.

None of the injured quintet are expected to return before next season, leaving Liverpool short on options in several areas of the pitch.

There is slightly better news regarding goalkeeper Alisson Becker and striker Alexander Isak, both of whom returned to training during the week after recent injury concerns.

Alisson has not featured since March because of a thigh injury, while Isak missed last weekend’s game against Aston Villa due to what was described as a minor fitness problem involving his groin and pelvic area.

Slot admitted the pair have made encouraging progress but suggested Liverpool are unlikely to take unnecessary risks with either player.

“Both positive,” Slot said when asked about the condition of Isak and Alisson ahead of the Brentford encounter.

The Liverpool manager is believed to be prioritising the long-term fitness of both players rather than rushing them back for a single fixture, particularly with concerns over aggravating their injuries during the off-season.

Salah and Robertson set for emotional afternoon

Sunday’s fixture could also carry extra emotional significance at Anfield, with Mohamed Salah and Andrew Robertson expected to be central figures during the club’s final home appearance of the campaign.

Liverpool supporters will hope the occasion can inspire an improved performance after a run that has fallen below the standards expected under Slot. Although the Dutchman guided the team through several strong periods this season, inconsistency in recent months has damaged momentum heading into the summer.

Brentford, meanwhile, arrive with confidence after already defeating Liverpool once this season and will believe they can frustrate the hosts again. Their aggressive attacking approach caused Liverpool major problems in the reverse fixture and could test a weakened defence once more.

Even so, Liverpool will view the final game as an opportunity to restore some belief before attention shifts to summer recruitment and preparations for next season.

With several important players sidelined and doubts lingering over others, Slot’s side know they must overcome adversity one last time if they are to finish the campaign with a victory in front of the Anfield crowd.