Liverpool XI vs Marseille: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news, injury latest for Champions League today

Liverpool arrive in Marseille with hope, tension, questions, and one familiar face that changes the mood completely. On a cold European night at the Orange Velodrome, the Champions League returns, and once again the spotlight finds Mohamed Salah. After more than a month away from Liverpool action, the Egyptian king is finally back in the picture, and his return alone has turned this match into something much bigger than a normal group-stage fixture.

For Liverpool fans, it feels like a long wait. Salah has not worn the red shirt in competitive action since mid-December. Since then, the team has played, struggled, adapted, and tried to move forward without their most famous forward. Some moments were encouraging. Others were worrying. Now, just as the Champions League enters a decisive phase, Salah is back on Merseyside, back in training, and back in contention.But his retu rn is not as simple as many expect.

Liverpool’s Champions League clash against Marseille is not just about tactics or formations. It is about balance, trust, form, and timing. It is about whether Arne Slot believes Salah should walk straight back into the starting eleven, or whether patience is required. It is about whether Liverpool’s recent tactical experiments will survive the return of a player who has defined an era at the club.

Salah last played for Liverpool on December 13 against Brighton. He did not even start that game. Instead, he came on early, made an immediate impact, and provided an assist for Hugo Ekitike’s second goal. It was a reminder of his quality. One touch, one decision, one moment that changed the match. Then he disappeared.Not because of injury. Not because of form. But because Africa called.

Salah travelled to Morocco with the Egyptian national team to represent his country at the Africa Cup of Nations. It was another chapter in his international career, another responsibility he has never taken lightly. Egypt did not win the tournament, but they fought hard, eventually finishing fourth. Salah gave everything, physically and emotionally, and returned to Liverpool carrying both pride and exhaustion.While he was away, Liverpool’s season did not stop.

Arne Slot continued his first campaign in charge, navigating injuries, rotation, and the heavy expectations that come with managing Liverpool. The absence of Salah forced change. It forced players like Florian Wirtz, Cody Gakpo, and Dominik Szoboszlai to take more responsibility. It forced Liverpool to explore new shapes and ideas.Some worked. Some did not.

Before Salah left for AFCON, there were already signs of tension. He had gone three matches without starting. In two of those games, he remained on the bench. For a player of his stature, that was unusual. For a player of his ambition, it was uncomfortable. After a chaotic 3-3 draw with Leeds, cameras caught Salah visibly angry. His frustration was clear. He wanted more minutes. He wanted more influence. He wanted clarity.Now he is back. But the situation has changed.

Liverpool drew 1-1 with Burnley at the weekend, and one name stood out. Florian Wirtz, playing off the right side, scored the goal. He looked confident, sharp, and comfortable in a role that many assumed belonged only to Salah. It was not just a goal. It was a message.

So when Liverpool boarded their flight from John Lennon Airport on Tuesday afternoon, the questions followed them all the way to France. Would Salah start? Would Slot stick with Wirtz? Would Liverpool change shape again? The squad announcement answered some questions but created others.

Salah was on the plane. That alone lifted spirits. It confirmed his availability. It confirmed his readiness. It confirmed that he was part of the plan. But being in the squad does not guarantee being in the starting eleven. Arne Slot is not sentimental. He is calm, analytical, and firm in his decisions. He respects experience, but he trusts form. And right now, Liverpool’s attack is finely balanced.

While Salah’s return dominates headlines, Liverpool also face serious issues at the back. Ibrahima Konate, one of the most important defenders in the squad, was not part of the travelling group. The reason was personal. He returned to France separately to deal with family matters, and his availability remained uncertain.

Slot confirmed that he would speak to Konate on Wednesday morning to decide whether the defender would join the team in Marseille. That single conversation could change Liverpool’s entire defensive setup.

If Konate does not play, Joe Gomez is expected to step in. Gomez has been here before. He has partnered Virgil van Dijk in big games. He understands the pressure. But replacing Konate’s physical presence, speed, and aerial strength is never easy, especially against a Marseille side that thrives on chaos and intensity at home.

Van Dijk himself stands on the edge of history. The captain is set to make his 350th appearance for Liverpool. It is a remarkable number, built on leadership, resilience, and consistency. On a night when Liverpool need calm heads, Van Dijk’s presence could be decisive.Marseille away is never simple.

The Orange Velodrome is one of the loudest stadiums in Europe. The atmosphere can swallow teams whole. Noise pours from every corner. Pressure arrives in waves. Marseille feed off it. Liverpool know this. They have been here before. European nights in hostile environments are part of their identity. But this Liverpool side is still evolving under Arne Slot. The predicted lineup reflects that evolution.

In goal, Alisson remains untouchable. His importance cannot be overstated. In matches like this, goalkeepers become weapons. One save can change the rhythm of the game. One mistake can end it.

At right-back, Jeremie Frimpong is expected to start. His energy, pace, and attacking instincts give Liverpool an extra dimension. On the opposite side, Andy Robertson’s return to full fitness brings leadership and aggression down the left.In central defence, everything depends on Konate. If he does not feature, Joe Gomez partners Van Dijk. It is a pairing that has seen highs and lows, but it is one Slot trusts.

Midfield is where Liverpool’s new identity is most visible. Alexis Mac Allister brings control and intelligence. Ryan Gravenberch offers power and progression. Together, they must manage the tempo and protect the back line.

Ahead of them, creativity flows through multiple channels. Florian Wirtz, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Cody Gakpo are expected to operate behind the striker. This trio blends flair, movement, and shooting ability. It is flexible, unpredictable, and dangerous.

Up front, Hugo Ekitike leads the line. His movement has improved, his confidence is growing, and his link-up play suits Slot’s system. The assist from Salah against Brighton remains a reminder of what these two could become together.And then there is Salah.

Whether he starts or not, his presence changes everything. Marseille’s defenders will prepare for him. Fans will fear him. Teammates will feel his aura. Even from the bench, he commands attention.

Slot must decide if this is the moment to bring him back fully, or if easing him in is the smarter option. Champions League matches punish hesitation. But they also reward courage.Liverpool’s injury list remains a concern. Isak, Leoni, and Conor Bradley are all unavailable. Each absence removes depth and flexibility. In Europe, small margins matter.

Kick-off is set for 8pm GMT on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. The match will be broadcast on TNT Sports. The stakes are clear. Liverpool are approaching the end of the league phase. Every point matters. Qualification is not guaranteed. Momentum is fragile.

Marseille will smell opportunity. Liverpool arrive with uncertainty but also belief.

This match is about more than tactics. It is about leadership. It is about identity. It is about whether Liverpool can blend their past heroes with their future stars without losing balance.Mohamed Salah stands at the centre of that story.

He is older now. He is 33. But his hunger has not faded. His standards remain high. His ambition remains sharp. He does not want to be a memory. He wants to be decisive again.

Whether he starts or finishes the match, this night could mark a new chapter. Not just for Salah, but for Liverpool under Arne Slot.European football does not wait. It demands answers.And in Marseille, under the lights, Liverpool must respond.