Leeds United will start 2026 with a New Year’s Day trip to Liverpool but seven men have been ruled out of the contest for which three more are doubtful.
The Reds and Whites will meet for the second time in the space of four weeks in a 5.30pm kick-off on Thursday on the first day of 2026.
The two sides shared a thrilling 3-3 draw in the reverse fixture at Elland Road at the start of the month but both sides have suffered injury blows to key players since.
Added to pre-existing longer term injuries, it’s led to a long list of seven out and three doubts across both sides.
Here, we run through the early injury and team news from both camps which also includes five more returning.
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13. DOUBT: Joe Gomez
Liverpool's England-capped centre-back Gomez suffered a muscular injury in the 2-1 win at home to Brighton earlier this month and has missed his side's last two games. It remains to be seen if he is back available for the visit of the Whites but the defender has reportedly been working with the squad in the gym as he closes in on his return. | Getty Images
14. DOUBT: Sean Longstaff
Whites midfielder Longstaff suffered a calf injury in the 2-1 defeat at home to Aston Villa on November 23 and was expected to be looking at four to six weeks out. Farke said there was no chance of Longstaff being involved for the weekend's trip to Sunderland and it remains to be seen if he is in any sort of contention to face the Reds. Seems unlikely. | Getty Images
15. MAJOR DOUBT: Joe Rodon
Even tough-as-teak Whites defender Rodon couldn't continue after two whacks to his ankle against Sunderland, the second of which from a Simon Adingra challenge bent his leg badly. After attempting to continue, Rodon eventually hobbled off in the 31st minute and Farke admitted afterwards that the injury did not look good. Farke said: "Not good. He got a hit on his ankle, and by doing this I think he also rolled his ankle, and it's pretty swollen. At the moment, I doubt that he will be available for Liverpool and also for the upcoming games before the FA Cup game. So we have to wait for some further assessment. But right now, straight after the game, it doesn't look too good." | Getty Images