🚨 BREAKING NEWS: Horrible news has been announced for Liverpool before the Southampton match.

Ahead of their match against the Premier League leaders, Southampton had been hoping to field a full-strength squad. However, as manager Russell Martin addressed the media before the game, he shared disappointing updates regarding key players. According to Martin (via liverpoolfc.com), center-back Jan Bednarek and goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale will both miss the fixture. Bednarek sustained a knee injury during international duty, while Ramsdale recently underwent surgery for a finger issue.

“Both will be unavailable this weekend,” Martin confirmed on Thursday. “It’s a huge blow. They’ve been two of our best performers all season. In the last few weeks, there’s been a significant reliance on Jan and Aaron to initiate our build-up play, so their absence will undoubtedly impact the team and its structure.

“That said, this is an opportunity for others to step in and make their mark. I’ve been really pleased with both of them, but now it’s up to the rest of the squad to rise to the challenge.”

Martin also provided updates on other players, noting that Ryan Fraser and Kamaldeen Sulemana have returned to full fitness. However, the injury list remains lengthy, with Ross Stewart and Will Smallbone still sidelined since before the international break. Additionally, Gavin Bazunu continues to be a long-term absentee, leaving the Southampton squad significantly weakened ahead of their clash with Liverpool.

These injury woes are something Liverpool’s manager, Arne Slot, can likely empathize with. On Friday morning, Slot gave updates on six players from his squad, highlighting his own team’s injury challenges. He also discussed the added strain caused by international fixtures and the possibility of some of his South American players being unavailable.

The upcoming match at St. Mary’s promises to be a tough contest for both sides as they navigate injury setbacks while aiming for victory. For Liverpool, capitalizing on Southampton’s weakened lineup could provide a significant advantage. A win would be a strong momentum boost heading into a crucial week that includes matches against Real Madrid and Manchester City.