Updates on Curtis Jones, Andy Robertson, Diogo Jota, and Trent Alexander-Arnold are included in this list of Liverpool’s injuries and their anticipated return dates after the Reds took the top spot in the Premier League.
After beating Brighton, Liverpool took back the top spot in the Premier League, and Manchester City and Arsenal drew scoreless.
At Anfield, Jurgen Klopp’s team overcame a 2-1 deficit to upset Roberto De Zerbi’s Seagulls. Both Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz made the scoresheet, but they weren’t the only bright spots of the day.
After overcome the problem that kept him from playing for Uruguay during the most recent international break, Darwin Nunez was judged healthy enough to start and played for 83 minutes. Ryan Gravenberch, meanwhile, appeared for two minutes, making his first appearance since the Carabao Cup Final in February.
After recovering from a muscular issue with France last week, Ibrahima Konate had a scheduled rest day and skipped training. He also made the bench on Sunday but was not put in danger, and ultimately, the manager had no fresh worries to address.
With additional major stars expected to return in the upcoming weeks, it puts the Reds in a strong position. The ECHO offers a summary of the current injury condition ahead of this Thursday’s crucial visit from 20th-placed Sheffield United to Anfield:
Jones, Curtis
Curtis Jones had an ankle injury during the away game against Brentford in mid-February, which has kept him out of action.
Although the midfielder’s name was understandably missing from the teamsheet at 1pm, there was some hope that he might recover in time to play yesterday.
After a few more training sessions this week, Klopp stated on Friday, “Curtis, I’m not sure if he’s available, but will be in training.” As a result, Thursday is still possible.
Date of anticipated return: Thursday, April 4.
Andy Robertson
Andy Robertson suffered a new ankle injury during Scotland’s encounter against Northern Ireland, and he only returned from international action last week.
In order to determine the precise degree of the injury, he had scans. The results were in the Reds’ favor, as the full-back would only be sidelined for a short period of time. The manager subsequently reaffirmed to Sky Sports prior to Brighton that the full-back was safe to play but would not be put at danger.
We no longer take any risks when we don’t have to because Andy was cleared yesterday and trained normally,” he said. “Next game on Thursday as well, so we have to make sure we bring as many players as possible fit through this period and hope the guys are coming back as soon as possible.”
Date of anticipated return: Thursday, April 4.
Trent Arnold Alexander
Trent Alexander-Arnold had a knee injury during the FA Cup victory over Arsenal in January. He returned briefly the following month, but his condition only got worse. For this reason, he has missed most of 2024 with injury.
In an unexpected pre-match interview with Jamie Carragher on Sky Sports yesterday, the vice captain said, “Going well now, finally in the final stages.” Just eager to be back out there after the past few weeks.
“Even though it’s been the longest of my career so far, it makes you want to perform again. Hopefully a few weeks, provided everything continues to move forward smoothly and without any problems.”
Return is anticipated in April.
Diogo Jota
In February’s encounter against Brentford, Diogo Jota similarly had an injury, albeit this time it was to his knee.
Despite not having resumed full team training yet, he made progress in his recuperation during the international break. If all goes according to plan, April has long been identified as the attacker’s return window. However, neither Klopp nor Pep Ljinders, nor any other club employee, has provided a specific timeline for the attacker.
Return is anticipated in April.
Alisson Becker
Due to a hamstring problem, Alisson Becker is not being considered for selection; his most recent game was a Premier League defeat at Arsenal in February.
Another player who has been given time to heal at the AXA Training Centre during the international break is the goalkeeper; however, no timeline has been set for his return to action.
It will be intriguing to watch how Klopp manages the transition of his usual starter’s return when the time comes because Caoimhin Kelleher has stepped up in his absence.
Return is anticipated in April or May.
Bajcetic Stefan
Despite just having made two appearances this season due to a slew of ailments that began in March 2023, Stefan Bajcetic appears to be heading straight home to make his return.
Regarding the Spaniard, Klopp stated on Friday, “rhythm is something else, but football brain wise he is a natural, he’s not lost anything there.” “He is currently working out in part for the Under-21s; he will resume full training with them the following week. He will then begin our training after that. That’s the strategy. Then, we’ll find out.”
Return is anticipated in April or May.
Alcantara Thiago
Thiago Alcantara was sidelined for a considerable amount of time due to a hip issue. His five-minute cameo against Arsenal in February was a complete disaster, as he was later ruled out for further time due to a fresh hamstring injury.
By the conclusion of the season, when Klopp will have left the team and his own contract would be about to expire, it is unclear if he will assemble a matchday squad.
Date of anticipated return: Unknown.
Joel Matip
Since the Reds’ exciting 4-3 victory over Fulham in December, Joel Matip has not played for the team due to an ACL injury.
Although the defender has been seen working on his recuperation at the AXA Training Centre, most recently jogging outside on the ground’s pitches, it was not anticipated that he would play before the season’s finish.
Matip’s contract is set to expire this summer, same like Thiago’s.
Date of anticipated return: Unknown.
Ben Doak
Due to a knee injury he received while playing for Liverpool Under-21s in December, Ben Doak has been out of commission.
When the teenage winger is expected to return to team training and the matchday squad has not been specified by the Reds.
Date of anticipated return: Unknown.
