| Liverpool vs Brighton | |
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MATCH INFO |
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MATCH :
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Liverpool vs Brighton
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COMPETITION :
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FA Cup
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| DATE: |
15-02-2026
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TIME:
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01.30 AM IST
12.00 AM UAE
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STADIUM
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Stadium
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Liverpool were dealt an injury scare in their recent win over Sunderland as midfielder Wataru Endo was forced off on a stretcher after suffering an ankle injury. The Japanese international is now expected to spend time on the sidelines and joins a growing list of absentees in the treatment room. Alexander Isak remains unavailable with a leg injury, while Jeremie Frimpong is still recovering from a thigh problem. Defensive options are further depleted with Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni both ruled out due to knee injuries.
There was at least one positive update for the Reds, as Joe Gomez made his return from injury in midweek, coming on to replace the stricken Endo at right-back. However, it is still unclear whether Gomez is match-fit enough to start this weekend. Manager Arne Slot may weigh up his options carefully, especially with Dominik Szoboszlai available again after serving a one-match suspension against Sunderland. The Hungarian midfielder’s return provides a timely boost to Liverpool’s midfield creativity.
Several players are pushing to break into the starting XI as competition for places intensifies. Goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili will be eager for an opportunity between the posts, while Milos Kerkez adds depth at left-back. In midfield and attack, Curtis Jones, Federico Chiesa, and promising youngster Rio Ngumoha are all hoping to earn selection.
Mohamed Salah’s impressive record against Brighton could play a key role in Slot’s team selection. The Egyptian forward has registered 10 goals and eight assists in 19 previous meetings with the Seagulls, making him one of Liverpool’s most dangerous weapons heading into the clash. Given his strong head-to-head record, Slot is likely to retain Salah on the right flank as part of his attacking setup.
Brighton Team News & Injury Updates
Brighton also head into the fixture with several injury concerns of their own. Stefanos Tzimas, Adam Webster, and Solly March are all sidelined with knee injuries, while Yasin Ayari remains out with a shoulder problem. These absences have limited Fabian Hürzeler’s options, particularly in defence and midfield.
There is, however, encouraging news for the Seagulls as Mats Wieffer has recovered from a toe injury and is available to return to the matchday squad. His availability will offer Hürzeler additional flexibility in midfield rotations.
The Brighton boss is expected to freshen up his lineup for the encounter, with several players in contention for recalls. Goalkeeper Jason Steele could return between the sticks, while defensive reinforcements may include Maxim De Cuyper and Olivier Boscagli. Jack Hinshelwood is another option in midfield, alongside emerging talent Harry Howell.
Further forward, Yankuba Minteh and Georginio Rutter are both pushing for starting roles as Brighton look to inject pace and creativity into their attack.
A notable storyline surrounds veteran midfielder James Milner. The former Liverpool man equalled Gareth Barry’s all-time Premier League appearance record in midweek, and he could now be handed a rare start against his old club. If selected, Milner may partner one of Hinshelwood, Pascal Gross, Carlos Baleba, or teenage prospect Harry Howell in central midfield