Liverpool
Alexander-Arnold, Szoboszlai, Salah – Liverpool injury news and return dates before Brentford
Liverpool injury news and expected return dates ahead of the Premier League clash at Brentford on Saturday, February 17.
Jurgen Klopp will provide clarity on the severity of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s recurring knee injury when he speaks to the media at the AXA Training Centre on Friday morning.
The Liverpool boss will address the media in his usual Premier League pre-match press conference, with this particular briefing taking on significant importance after the news that Alexander-Arnold would miss the League Cup final later this month through injury.
The 25-year-old initially sustained a knee injury during last month’s FA Cup win at Arsenal before making a return to action against Norwich City on January 28. However, Alexander-Arnold was substituted at half-time in Saturday’s 3-1 victory over Burnley and is set to be sidelined until early March.
Liverpool’s No.66 is the latest casualty in Klopp’s ranks with Thiago Alcantara and Dominik Szoboszlai both suffering relapses in their rehabilitation and too unlikely to feature against Chelsea at Wembley later this month.
Before that date at Wembley, though, is a Premier League clash against Brentford on Saturday afternoon, with Liverpool having the chance to increase their lead over Manchester City to nine points ahead of their evening kick-off against Chelsea.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Speaking after Saturday’s win over Burnley, Klopp has confirmed Alexander-Arnold has suffered a recurrence of his knee injury, saying: “His knee again? Yes, it felt like that. He got it stuck in the grass and we will see. We have [to send for] assessment.
“Same area in the knee. Nothing really bad, but he felt it again and we have to see, we have to assess it. Trent said it’s fine, but it’s not fine [because] he feels it so we had to be careful and took him off.”
However, the Liverpool boss is expected to provide a more definitive update on Friday morning.
Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah hasn’t featured for Liverpool since the start of January due to international commitments at the Africa Cup of Nations and later a hamstring issue.
The Egyptian was withdrawn in his country’s 2-2 draw with Ghana on January 18 and has been back on Merseyside undergoing his rehabilitation ever since. On Tuesday, Salah was involved in Liverpool training for the first time in nearly six weeks, indicating that he will likely be involved in Saturday’s game against Brentford.
Expected return date: February 17
Dominik Szoboszlai
Szoboszlai initially suffered a hamstring in the New Year’s Day victory over Newcastle United before making a return to the starting XI for the thrashing of Chelsea at the end of January.
But just hours before the Arsenal game on February 4, it became apparent that Szoboszlai had suffered a recurrence of that muscle injury and was set for a spell on the sidelines.
At this stage, it is unclear whether he will be fit for the League Cup final against Chelsea on February 25.
Providing an update last week, Klopp said: “He had long-term problems at Salzburg but pretty much since then he could play. He came to Leipzig with a problem but could pretty much play all the time after that. He is not the most patient person. We don’t know (about the Carabao Cup final with Chelsea on February 25).
“If you ask him he plays the final definitely but I don’t know. He will see. He is running outside. Some players I see running outside and I think okay they are back and then it can still take a while. We have to see.”
Expected return date: Unknown
Thiago Alcantara
Thiago Alcantara came on as a late substitute in the 3-1 defeat to Arsenal earlier this month, his first appearance since last April. However, the desperately unfortunate midfielder is now nursing a new hamstring injury.
“Thiago is not cool,” said Klopp in the days afterwards. “Everything looked absolutely fantastic in training, they showed quite a lot of moments on LFC TV in training and it looks outstanding.
“We thought to take him (to Arsenal) and the opportunity to play a few minutes and then it’s a muscle issue. We don’t know the extent yet, we have to wait a little bit but it’s not cool. It’s really not good news for him, for us or everybody.”
Expected return date: Unknown
Stefan Bajcetic
Stefan Bajcetic has endured a frustrating period in his fledgling Anfield career after several injury problems. He enjoyed a strong debut campaign last season but saw it end prematurely after suffering a stress response in his adductor in March.
Bajcetic returned in September with outings in the Carabao Cup and Europa League but his involvement against LASK Linz proved to be his last after suffering a calf issue. It remains unclear when he will return to full training,.
Expected return date: Unknown
Joel Matip
Joel Matip is recovering from surgery after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury. The 32-year-old, who is the final months of his contract at Liverpool, is likely to miss the rest of the season. The centre-back was left stricken in the 70th minute of the dramatic Premier League 4-3 win over Fulham in December after an off-the-ball incident.
Expected return date: Unknown
Ben Doak.
Ben Doak is out long-term with a serious knee injury sustained playing for the under-21s. Assistant manager Pep Lijnders said of Doak’s condition: “That’s not a good one. He tore his lateral meniscus, which needs surgery.
“That one will take (a) longer time. He is young, he is a fit guy, he is a positive guy so for sure he will come back stronger, and we need him to come back with the same fire he has with the ball, how he was. We will wait for him.”
Expected return date: Unknown
Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF) has failed in its attempt to join forces in Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) venture.
FSG expanded their portfolio in January 2024 when spearheading a consortium to invest an initial $1.5 billion – potentially rising to $3 billion – in the PGA Tour. The Strategic Sport Group (SSG) is made up of sports team owners including FSG and minority stakeholders RedBird Capital Partners, Arthur Blank (Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta FC), Steven Cohen (New York Mets) and Thomas Ricketts (Chicago Cubs) and created the for-profit entity PGA Tour Enterprises.
SSG took advantage of a fracture in golf to invest. The formations of the PIF-backed LIV saw leading players, including major winners Phil Mickelson, Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau, make the move before John Rahm followed.
There have been discussions since June 2023 about a merger between the PGA and LIV. Talks have been held, with FSG principal owner John Henry reportedly travelling to Saudi Arabia and the Bahamas to meet with PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan. US President Donald Trump has discussed the matter with both parties at the White House.
The season’s first major takes place this week, with the Masters kicking off at Augusta on Thursday. Ahead of the famous tournament, the Guardian reports that the PIF has ‘failed in an attempt to persuade the PGA Tour to deliver serious concessions in exchange for a $1.5bn (£1.14bn) investment’.It is suggested that the LIV tour could continue to operate and Al-Rumayyan would become co-chairman of PGA Tour Enterprises alongside Joe Gorder. The PGA deemed ‘neither acceptable’.
Speaking at the Players Championship last month, PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan said: “We appreciate Yasir’s innovative vision, and we can see a future where we welcome him on to our board and work together to move the global game forward. As part of our negotiations, we believe there’s room to integrate important aspects of LIV Golf into the PGA Tour platform. We’re doing everything that we can to bring the two sides together.
“That said, we will not do so in a way that diminishes the strength of our platform or the very real momentum we have with our fans and our partners. So while we’ve removed some hurdles, others remain. But like our fans, we still share the same sense of urgency to get to a resolution. Our team is fully committed to reunification. The only deal that we would regret is one that compromises the essence of what makes the game of golf and the PGA Tour so exceptional.”
Who do FSG own?
FSG boast an impressive sports portfolio. They have owned Liverpool since their £300 million takeover in 2010. In their time, eight major trophies have been won while Anfield has been expanded to a 61,000 capacity and £50 million spent on the AXA Training Centre.
Iconic MLB team the Boston Red Sox have been under FSG’s control for the past 23 years, while the firm purchased NHL outfit the Pittsburgh Penguins. FSG also own a 50 per cent stake in RFK Racing and bought the franchise Boston Common Golf in the recently-launched TMRW Golf League.
Liverpool
Liverpool star ‘demanding’ 150 per cent wage increase after ‘another conversation’ admission
Liverpool star ‘demanding’ 150 per cent wage increase after ‘another conversation’ admission
There has been plenty of focus on Liverpool’s out-of-contract trio.
The futures of Virgil van Dijk, Mo Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold have been a significant talking point throughout the season. That is despite the Reds hurtling towards the Premier League title. While victories have been cherished, there has been concern in the background among supporters that their three chief players could depart at the end of their respective contracts in the summer.
Certainly, it appears that Alexander-Arnold will depart. The right-back has been in talks with Real Madrid over a free transfer. After last Sunday’s 3-2 loss at Fulham, Virgil van Dijk admitted that there has been progress over talks about extending his Anfield stay. That will be welcome news to fans. Salah, meanwhile, has fired 32 goals in all competitions has showed few signs of slowing down aged 32 throughout the 2024-25 campaign.
But if Liverpool are to continue to compete for silverware next season and beyond, they need a core group of players. This summer is set to be significant in terms of recruitment yet continuity will be important.
Another key player in the Reds’ run towards a record-equalling 20th Premier League title has been Ibrahima Konate. The France international has been van Dijk’s regular centre-back partner, with Liverpool conceding 30 goals in 31 top-flight fixtures this season.
Konate has been at Anfield since his £36 million arrival from RB Leipzig in 2021. He has made a total of 126 appearances, scoring five goals and won three major trophies so far. Still aged 25, the former Sochaux defender is very much about to enter the peak years of his career.
Konate’s current contract culminates in June 2026 and there have been talks about penning fresh terms. Speaking before a Champions League victory over Lille earlier this campaign, he said: “It’s true, I’ve been offered a new contract by Liverpool. Am I close to signing it? That’s another conversation.”
The Parisian has been linked with several clubs across Europe. Konate is a boyhood Paris Saint-Germain fan and it was claimed by ESPN in February that he would be open to a return to the French capital to become a long-term partner for Marquinhos at centre-back.
In addition, Real Madrid have been suggested as a potential suitor. Los Blancos have had injuries to Eder Militao, David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger this season.
Liverpool
‘I’m worried about Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk – it would have been different when I was at Liverpool’
Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah are yet to make a decision on their futures as their contracts tick down, and one former Liverpool star is getting worried.
Former Liverpool striker John Aldridge has admitted he’s worried about Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah’s form as uncertainty continues over their futures.
As things stand, both will become free agents in the summer as their contracts expire. Trent Alexander-Arnold is also in the same boat, although the right-back looks to be nearing a move to Real Madrid.
What’s in store for Van Dijk and Salah is still unknown, although there may be an answer on the former soon, with the Reds captain revealing there has been “progress” on his discussions with the club. What’s more, he has hinted that an announcement will be made in the coming weeks.
Liverpool
Virgil van Dijk gives contract update Liverpool fans will love as he reveals “progress” in talks
Virgil van Dijk gives contract update Liverpool fans will love as he reveals “progress” in talks
The defender has given his clearest indication yet that he could be set to remain at Liverpool beyond the end of the season, with talks continuing over a new deal for the 33-year-old.
Virgil van Dijk has revealed he and Liverpool have made “progress” in their negotiations over a new contract.
The Liverpool skipper is one of three high-profile figures who could walk away for free this summer – along with teammates Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah. The contract sagas surrounding the trio have dominated the news agenda this season, with Arne Slot repeatedly asked about their futures over the campaign.
He has tended to steer clear of those discussions, often stating there has been no update. Van Dijk, who stops to speak to the media after every game, usually deploys a similar approach, reiterating that he is calm about the situation and there have been no major developments.
As recently as last month, Van Dijk said he had “no idea” if he would remain at Liverpool beyond this season, and it makes Sunday’s change of tact so intriguing, perhaps suggesting a resolution could be reached soon. Asked about his contract situation after the 3-2 defeat against Fulham, Van Dijk replied: “There is progress, yeah.”
Pushed on the details of those talks and whether he’ll stay beyond the end of the season, the Dutchman said: “I don’t know, we’ll see. These are internal discussions and we’ll see.
Those remarks come just days after Van Dijk gave his clearest indication yet that he could stay beyond the summer.
“I can’t say more than there will be news in the upcoming weeks, whether it’s positive or not,” the defender said, when asked last week if he had played his final Merseyside derby. “I have no idea at this point, well I don’t know. I mentioned it many times before, I said I am calm.
“Like I said also many times before, you know I love the club, and the club loves me. I love playing for Liverpool. At this stage, I’m not really panicking whatsoever, so let’s see.”
Ensuring Van Dijk remains next season could be key ahead of what feels increasingly like a summer of major change at Anfield. Slot made just one signing last year – and Federico Chiesa is yet to start a Premier League game for the club since joining.
After 12 months in charge, several additions are expected this summer, with Jamie Carragher last week calling for six new arrivals ahead of the 2025/26 campaign. Sorting out the futures of Van Dijk, Alexander-Arnold and Salah will be the first assignment for Slot and director of football Richard Hughes, before attention turns to recruitment.
Van Dijk has played every minute for the Reds this season and looks set to collect a second Premier League winners’ medal of his career at the end of the campaign.
Liverpool
‘Arrogance’ – Paul Scholes picks out Liverpool star who may be responsible for ‘sloppiness creeping in’
Liverpool fell to a 3-2 loss against Fulham and were left to rue the defensive errors they made.
Paul Scholes has claimed that Liverpool have become ‘arrogant’ in the run-in towards claiming the Premier League title.
The Reds are 11 points clear at the top of the table. But their form recently has dropped and have lost three of their previous four games in all competitions. Arne Slot’s side suffered a 3-2 defeat by Fulham at Craven Cottage – their maiden reverse away from home this season.
Liverpool conceded three goals in 14 first-half minutes in West London, with each being a defensive error. The Reds missed the chance to put more distance between themselves and second-placed Arsenal, with 11 points needed from the final seven games to claim the top-flight crown.
Captain Virgil van Dijk was at fault for Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz’s third goal for Fulham, while the Liverpool centre-back got away with an error in the first half of the Merseyside derby win against Everton when Beto hit the post. Scholes, who won the Premier League title 11 times with Manchester United, believes that ‘sloppiness’ is stemming from van Dijk.
Speaking on Premier League Productions, the former England midfielder said: ‘It [the title race] could be prolonged. You’d expect them to beat West Ham and Leicester City. You just need someone a bit closer to them. Arsenal have to be kicking themselves because this was a real opportunity, obviously with Man City not having the quality you’d expect in the title race.
“If Arsenal were a bit closer it could have got a bit shaky for Liverpool. It still could if Arsenal win all their games – you can’t think Arsenal are going to win all their games especially with the two Real Madrid games coming up.
“But Liverpool are going to limp over the line looking at today’s performance. I sense a bit of arrogance about them as if “you shouldn’t be able to land a finger on us today. You shouldn’t be able to beat us,” and I think they’ve shown that in the last few weeks.
“A bit of sloppiness creeping in and I think it comes from the captain [Van Dijk]. I think he really needs to make sure that there’s a proper determination to get over the line as soon as possible.”
Liverpool head coach Slot defended the recent form of his skipper van Dijk after the game, however. Slot told reporters at his post-match press conference: “Van Dijk is not the first player to find it difficult to defend against Beto. And the one that played here today, you have to give credit to him also.
I still see a lot of things that Virgil does really well, but if you play 50-60 games a season, there will be moments, even for him, where you could have done better.”
Liverpool
Liverpool fans want player sold ASAP after shock Fulham defeat and know who they want to replace him
Liverpool fans want a player sold ASAP following their shock defeat to Fulham and know who they want to replace him.
Liverpool suffered just their second league defeat of the season as they were humbled by Fulham, who ran out 3-2 winners at Craven Cottage on Sunday.
Alexis Mac Allister opened the scoring with a stunning strike from distance. Ryan Sessegnon levelled proceedings before two quick-fire goals put the hosts 3-1 ahead before the break.
Alex Iwobi scored his side’s second before Rodrigo Muniz added a third.
Luis Diaz pulled one back in the second-half as the visitors were condemned to their second defeat of their Premier League campaign.
Liverpool fans want player sold ASAP after Fulham defeat
Liverpool’s first-half capitulation got fans online talking as they think it’s time to address ‘the elephant in the room’.
They also aimed their frustration at Andy Robertson, who was at fault for Iwobi’s goal.
He attempted a woeful cross-field ball before failing to clear his lines.
One X user wrote: “Well, that’s the nail in the coffin of Andy Robertson’s time as a starter at LFC.”
A second slammed: “It’s a f**king disgrace Robertson wasn’t replaced in the summer. Absolutely outrageous having to put up with this.”
A third added: “Robertson has genuinely been at fault for so many goals this season, all from mistakes.”
Liverpool fans know who they want as replacement
Liverpool fans already know who they want to replace Robertson, who has been at the club since 2017.
Supporters on social media called for Liverpool to sign Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez this summer.
Kerkez has starred for the Cherries this season, producing heroics from the left flank.
The 21-year-old could slot in Liverpool’s backline from the start, having already proved he can operate in the Premier League.
One fan said: “Jesus Christ Robertson is so washed my god get me Kerkez ASAP.”
A second commented: “Give Bournemouth whatever they want for Kerkez. Robertson is worse than useless.”
Another wrote: “Robertson simply needs to be back up left back at most next season. Kerkez come on down.”
Liverpool suffered only their second Premier League defeat of the season after a 3-2 loss against Fulham.
The Reds were completely outplayed in west London as Marco Silva’s side fought back from Alexis Mac Allister’s fantastic opener for Liverpool to secure a famous win at Craven Cottage, with Arne Slot’s side simply not at the races.
With Alisson Becker once again missing for Liverpool due to concussion protocol, the Anfield side were not at full strength with Trent Alexander-Arnold also recovering from injury, with Fulham all over the Reds despite going a goal down.
And former Liverpool midfielder Don Hutchison was left fuming by one moment from Andy Robertson after today’s loss against Fulham.
Andy Robertson criticised after ‘horrendous’ error leading to Fulham goal
Speaking on Premier League Productions, the former Scotland international was very critical of Robertson after the Liverpool defender gifted Alex Iwobi the chance to fire Fulham ahead after a poor clearance at the back.
With Liverpool looking to replace Robertson next season, the former Hull City man did not cover himself in any sort of glory this afternoon against Fulham, where the defender was a real weak point for the Reds in their surprise loss in the English capital.
And for Hutchison, Robertson’s role in Iwobi’s goal was a real embarrassment for the Liverpool defender, who was simply not at his usual best this afternoon as the Scottish defender gifted the Cottagers a golden ticket to a big result.
Hutchison said: “Horrendous goal to concede. What on earth has Andy Robertson seen playing that in to midfield? He gives the ball straight to Alex Iwobi, now Liverpool are under massive pressure. There might be a little deflection on the way through, off Robertson’s chest, but he shifts it well to hit the target.”
Liverpool were shown today why Andy Robertson needs replacing
Robertson will go down as a modern Liverpool legend, with the left-back playing an instrumental role in the Reds winning everything they did under Jurgen Klopp and forming arguably the best fullback pairing in Premier League history alongside Alexander-Arnold.
Yet nothing lasts forever in football, and Liverpool were shown today why Robertson needs replacing in the summer, with the defender simply no longer in the world-class bracket of players that the Reds are expecting from every position.
Indeed, Robertson’s legacy at Liverpool is all-but assured already, and moving on from the Scotland international is the right decision this summer as the Anfield side prepare to overhaul the squad in a big way in the off-season.
Fulham and Liverpool fans witnessed a bizarre opening 45 minutes at Craven Cottage.
The Cottagers looked likely to be the Reds’ 23rd victims of the 2024/25 Premier League campaign after Alexis Mac Allister put Liverpool ahead with a brilliant strike in the 14th minute – before a wild 14 minutes of action ensued.
Once Ryan Sessegnon equalised in the 23rd minute, the floodgates opened as Alex Iwobi and Rodrigo Muniz added a second and third – ruthlessness Marco Silva would have been hugely impressed by, albeit not so much for Arne Slot.
In fact, Fulham could have even scored four goals in the first half – although VAR let the west Londoners down.
Richard Keys feels VAR should have penalised Caoimhin Kelleher
Just minutes into the game, Ibrahima Konate put Liverpool in danger with a loose touch in the box, which Andreas Pereira pounced upon.
The Reds somehow escaped unpunished, although Caoimhin Kelleher – who Spurs are fans of – did clean the Brazilian out just after he released the ball with a messy challenge, which Richard Keys feels should have earned Fulham a penalty.
Writing on X (previously known as Twitter), the beIN SPORTS pundit opined: “That is some goal (by Mac Allister) – but surely Fulham should’ve had a pen when Kelleher fouled Pereira? We’re waiting for the matchday centre to tell us ‘it didn’t meet the threshold’.”
https://x.com/richardajkeys/status/1908872048048218500?t=t7zuj05s9JJrxgHfh7IUuQ&s=19
It was a very risky challenge from the Republic of Ireland international – and he was fortunate that Chris Kavanagh and those in the VAR booth felt it deserved no punishment.
What the Premier League Match Centre actually said about Caoimhin Kelleher challenge
Keys – who recently hammered Jamie Carragher – alluded to what the Premier League Match Centre would argue to try and wriggle out of the situation, so let’s see what they actually said on the matter.
Also writing on X, the official Premier League account posted: “The referee’s call of no penalty to Fulham following a challenge by Kelleher on Pereira was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed a coming together and not a reckless action. The VAR also checked and cleared the incident between van Dijk and Muniz.”
https://x.com/PLMatchCentre/status/1908871544702460095?t=BFPw937afHKjiSzfOF-PRQ&s=19
We cannot understand how the Liverpool No.62 diving into Pereira can be deemed as a “coming together” – although the Cottagers saw justice served regardless after taking all three points.
-
Liverpool3 weeks ago
‘Agreement is complete’ – Liverpool player has agreed all details on Anfield exit, now needs signing
-
Liverpool2 weeks ago
Trent Alexander-Arnold reveals why he left Liverpool to sign a five-year deal with Real Madrid
-
Liverpool2 weeks ago
Federico Chiesa’s heartfelt message to wife as she ditches UK
-
Liverpool2 weeks ago
Isaac Kearney: A Life Beyond Measure
-
Liverpool2 weeks ago
Jurgen Klopp has already ‘made his feelings clear’ on Trent Alexander-Arnold joining Real Madrid as ‘warning’ sent
-
Liverpool2 weeks ago
Isaac Kearney Steals the Show at Anfield Legends charity match with a Statement That Shook the Legends
-
Liverpool6 days ago
Liverpool Star Commits Future to Club with New 5-Year Deal
-
Liverpool2 weeks ago
Isaac Kearney: A Little Warrior with a Powerful Message of Hope for the Disabled Community