Liverpool injury news on Mo Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Curtis Jones, Dominik Szoboszlai and Andy Robertson.
It’s a season that even the most optimistic Liverpool fans couldn’t have predicted in the summer.
Yet the Reds, to many people’s surprise, find themselves fighting on four fronts. Jurgen Klopp’s side sits five points clear at the top of the Premier League table after a 4-0 victory over Bournemouth, while harbour ambitions of going deep in the Europa League and FA Cup respectively.
And on Wednesday evening, Liverpool can book their spot in the Carabao Cup final when they face Fulham. The Reds hold a 2-1 aggregate lead from the last-four first-leg tie at Anfield.
Yet the number of players on the treatment table is greater than Klopp would like. Liverpool will need injuries to clear up if they’re to not only maintain their title charge but continue a four-pronged assault. Ahead of the Fulham clash, here is the latest injury news and when some players could return.
Curtis Jones – muscle
The Liverpool midfielder came off with a muscle injury in the closing stages of the Bournemouth win. Klopp was hopeful that Jones’ issue was not serious, however.
Potential return game:Â Fulham (A), Wednesday 24 January.
Dominik Szoboszlai – hamstring
The £60 million summer signing has missed the previous three games with a hamstring injury. Klop revealed before Fulham that Szobsozlai was ‘close’ to returning to fitness, however.
Potential return game:Â Fulham (A), Wednesday 24 January.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – knee.
The right-back was ruled out for three weeks before the first-leg victory over Fulham, although Klopp admitted that Alexander-Arnold was ‘close’ to being back. Much will depend on whether he is risked or not.
Potential return game: Fulham (A), Wednesday 24 January.
Andy Robertson – shoulder
The left-back hasn’t played for Liverpool since October after requiring surgery. Robertson was spotted in the gym with the rest of his team-mates last week and is going in the ‘right direction. However, the Reds may ease the Scotland international back into action.
Potential return game:Â Norwich (H), Sunday 28 January.
Kostas Tsimikas – collarbone
The Greece international has been absent for the past month. However, Pep Lijnders recently admitted that Tsimikas could be back in training by the end of the month.
Potential return:Â February.
Thiago Alcantara – hip
The midfielder has not played for Liverpool for the best part of nine months because of a hip injury. He won’t be back in training until next month and then much will depend on when he’s deemed ready to be thrust back into action.
Stefan Bajcetic – growing pains.
Liverpool have had to be patient with the 19-year-old, who has been limited to only two appearances this season. A return to training next month for Bajcetic has been mooted.
Joel Matip – knee
The centre-back suffered a devastating ACL injury in Liverpool’s 4-3 Premier League victory over Fulham at the start of December. Matip had surgery and it’s unclear if he’ll play again this season.
Ben Doak – knee
The exciting youngster suffered an issue representing the under-21s last month and he had to undergo the knife.
Mo Salah – back
The Reds’ talisman is due to travel back to Merseyside from AFCON after suffering a back injury. However, should Egypt reach the semi-finals of the competition then they’re hopeful Salah will be available.
Wataru Endo – Asian Cup
The midfielder is hoping he can skipper Japan to glory in Saudi Arabia. Much will depend on how far Endo and his country go in the tournament.
