Welcome to our comprehensive LFC injury update, where we delve into the latest developments and updates on Liverpool FC’s squad fitness. In the dynamic world of football, staying abreast of player injuries is crucial for fans eager to understand the team’s condition and performance outlook. From key players recovering from setbacks to potential return dates, our LFC injury update provides a detailed overview of the current state of the squad. Join us as we navigate through the latest news, insights, and prognosis surrounding Liverpool FC’s injury landscape, offering you a holistic perspective on the team’s physical well-being.
Mo Salah
The return of Mohamed Salah would undoubtedly provide a significant boost for Liverpool. The team’s talisman, who has only made two appearances since New Year’s Day, faced setbacks due to a hamstring injury sustained while representing Egypt in the African Cup of Nations in January. Despite a triumphant return off the bench against Brentford on February 17, where Salah scored and assisted in a 4-1 win, he experienced a recurrence of the issue. Liverpool has been cautious in managing Salah’s recovery, prioritizing his long-term fitness. Ahead of the Forest game, Klopp acknowledged the 31-year-old’s proximity to a comeback, stating, “I don’t think Mo is too far off, but he will not feature tomorrow and from there we have to go.”
Likely Comeback: Etihad Stadium, vs Manchester City, 10/03/2024
Trent Alexander Arnold
Alexander-Arnold’s absence from the Carabao Cup final at Wembley and the subsequent fixture against Forest was anticipated, given his injury status. Klopp’s assistant, Pep Lijnders, had previously confirmed that the defender suffered a lateral collateral ligament injury, ruling him out until after the upcoming international break. With Liverpool facing a two-week hiatus after the FA Cup quarter-finals clash against Manchester United on March 17, there is a possibility of Alexander-Arnold making a return for the league fixture against Brighton on March 31, provided his recovery progresses without setbacks. Alternatively, the early April schedule, which includes a Premier League encounter against United, flanked by matches against Sheffield United and Crystal Palace, could also be a realistic time frame for his potential return.
Potential Return: Anfield, Vs Brighton, 31/03/3024
Diogo Jota
Diogo Jota, the Portuguese forward, encountered an unfortunate setback when he was stretchered off during the match against Brentford last month. The diagnosis revealed a medial collateral ligament injury in his knee. Fortunately, Jota escaped more severe posterior cruciate ligament damage that could have jeopardized his season and dashed his hopes for Euro 2024. Nonetheless, the recovery process for Jota is expected to be a matter of months rather than weeks, with a potential return date tentatively set for April 2024. The injury has undoubtedly posed a significant challenge for Jota, but the silver lining lies in the avoidance of a more severe prognosis that would have had long-term implications. Liverpool fans will eagerly await his return, offering their support during his rehabilitation journey.
Potential Return: April 2024
Ryan Gravenberch
Liverpool’s summer acquisition, Ryan Gravenberch, faced an unfortunate setback when he was stretchered off during the match against Chelsea at Wembley, succumbing to an ankle injury that necessitated crutches and a protective boot. The diagnosis revealed a ligament issue, although not as severe as initially feared. While Gravenberch is expected to miss the upcoming trip to Prague, there is optimism for his return to play some part against City.
Jurgen Klopp provided an update, stating, “It’s a ligament injury, could have been much worse, but bad enough for being ruled out for this game, next game. We will see. So, we need miracles with a few players, so that’s why I don’t want to rule out for too long.”
The potential return date is tentatively set for March 10, in the fixture against Manchester City. The timeframe reflects the club’s cautious optimism, and fans will be eagerly anticipating Gravenberch’s comeback, offering crucial midfield depth for Liverpool.
Potential Return: Etihad Stadium, vs Man City,10/03/2024
Curtis Jones
Assistant manager Pep Lijnders provided insight before the Carabao Cup final, stating, “Curtis is probably the first one [to come back] around the international break. All the others will be after the international break.” If all goes according to plan, Jones could mark his return just before the international break, making him available to face Manchester United in the FA Cup. Alternatively, a comeback just after the break would likely see him fit for the fixture against Brighton.
The potential return date is tentatively set for March 17, aligning with the FA Cup clash against Manchester United. Jones’ return would undoubtedly bolster Liverpool’s midfield options, providing Jurgen Klopp with a valuable asset in the upcoming fixtures.
Potential Return: 17/03/2024
Alison Becker
Liverpool’s number 1, Alisson Becker, was initially anticipated to make a return from illness against Brentford. However, his absence persisted, and it was later revealed that he had suffered a hamstring injury, sidelining him for a significant period. Klopp provided a further update before the Forest fixture, characterizing Alisson’s injury as “rather serious” but assuring it was not a season-ending setback. While the manager refrained from specifying a precise timeline for the recovery, he acknowledged the gravity of the muscle injury, stating it is “not a short one.” Alisson is diligently working in the gym, and Klopp emphasized that a return is not imminent, requiring a few more weeks. We’ve set the potential comeback date, tentatively, for sometime in April, signifying an extended absence for the Brazilian shot-stopper. In the interim, Caoimhin Kelleher continues to assume goalkeeping duties for Liverpool.
Potential Return: April, 2024
Thiago Alacantara
Thiago Alcantara, beset by injuries, marked his return to the Liverpool lineup after a 10-month absence, coming off the bench in the 3-1 loss against Arsenal on February 4. However, the Spaniard’s comeback was short-lived as he suffered yet another setback, casting doubts over his availability for the remainder of the season. With Thiago’s contract set to expire in the summer, there is a possibility that he might have already played his last match for the Reds.
Jurgen Klopp, when questioned about Thiago’s injury, admitted uncertainty regarding a potential return. He stated, “There’s no timescale. I don’t know, to be honest. It’s a couple of things [that] he has to do now from a medical point of view, and then I don’t know if that will then mean that he can play again [this season]. That’s not a short-term thing, that’s why I’m not really in the subject. It’s not that he might be in training in two weeks or stuff like this, so that’s why I’m not 100 per cent in it. I cannot say more about it, to be honest.” The situation remains uncertain for Thiago, leaving Liverpool and its fans in suspense about the influential midfielder’s potential contribution in the coming months.
Potential Return: Unknown
Stefan Bajcetic
Liverpool’s rising young talent, the breakout star of the previous season, has faced a challenging campaign, restricted to just two appearances due to a lingering long-term issue. Despite the setbacks, there is a glimmer of hope as manager Jurgen Klopp revealed last week that the midfielder is diligently building up his fitness, experiencing a pain-free phase as he awaits the green light to resume team training.
“He’s obviously gaining fitness now… he didn’t get a green light yet for us for the team training,” Klopp explained. “He’s pain-free, completely pain-free, which is obviously the most important thing. All checks we made, like scans again, bone looks good, that’s all fine, and he’s just doing the stuff he’s doing.”
The meticulous checks and positive progress indicate a cautious yet optimistic approach towards the player’s rehabilitation. While the potential return date is tentatively set for April 2024, the priority remains the player’s well-being, ensuring a complete recovery before making a significant comeback. Liverpool fans will eagerly anticipate the return of this promising young star, hoping for a impactful contribution in the latter stages of the season.
Potential Return: April 2024
Ben Doak and Joel Matip will likely miss the rest of the season with long term injuries.
With Klopp’s Liverpool rapidly regaining players back from the injury list they’ll be hopeful of having the strength needed to push hard for the season run in. Liverpool lead the title race, are in the quarter finals of the FA Cup and will be hoping to lift the Europa cup too.
