Latest Liverpool injury news on Ibrahima Konate, Diogo Jota, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alisson Becker, Curtis Jones, Ryan Gravenberch and more.
Jurgen Klopp has acknowledged that Liverpool’s ability to compete across various fronts hinges on the return of injured players.
Despite numerous squad members being sidelined recently, Liverpool have managed to achieve commendable results. Notably, they clinched the Carabao Cup with a 1-0 victory over Chelsea in the final, aided by several academy players who contributed to their success at Wembley.
Although Mo Salah, Darwin Nunez, and Dominik Szoboszlai have recovered from their injuries, the team still faced the absence of several key players during the exciting 1-1 draw against Manchester City in the Premier League title race.
As Liverpool gear up to take on Sparta Prague in the Europa League last 16 second leg on Thursday, they hold a commanding 5-1 aggregate lead following their previous encounter in the Czech capital. Following this fixture, Liverpool’s focus will shift to the FA Cup quarter-finals against Manchester United on Sunday.
Before both matches, let’s examine the present injury status and the potential return of certain players to the field.
Ibrahima Konate – muscle
During last week’s victory against Sparta, the Liverpool defender experienced an injury early in the second half. Fortunately, there wasn’t significant worry regarding Konate’s condition. Klopp is optimistic about the French international’s chances of playing against United, stating he has a ‘good chance’ of making it.
Potential return game: Man Utd (A), Sun 17 March.
Ryan Gravenberch – ankle
During the Carabao Cup final’s first half, the midfielder suffered ligament damage, necessitating him to be stretchered off. Although Gravenberch’s injury wasn’t as severe as initially anticipated, he has sat out the past four games and isn’t anticipated to return until after the international break.
Potential return game: Brighton (H), Sun 31 March.
Curtis Jones – ankle
The midfielder, who came up through the ranks of the club, experienced ligament damage while at Brentford, with his injury appearing to be more serious. Assistant manager Pep Lijnders acknowledged that Jones may not return until around the time of the upcoming international break later this month.
Potential return game: Man Utd (A), Sun 17 March or Brighton (H), Sun 31 March.
Stefan Bajcetic – other
The 19-year-old midfielder has only featured twice this season due to growth-related issues, prompting Liverpool to exercise caution. Bajcetic has resumed training on the field and is awaiting clearance to rejoin his teammates. It’s anticipated that he will require several weeks to regain full fitness and strength.
Potential return game: Brighton (H), Sun 31 March.
Alisson Becker – hamstring
The primary goalkeeper sustained a significant injury, but there’s optimism about his return before the season concludes.
Potential return game: N/A
Trent Alexander-Arnold – knee
The Liverpool vice-captain is unlikely to return to action before the international break. The outcome will heavily rely on how his issue responds.
Potential return game: April
Diogo Jota – knee
The adaptable forward had to be carried off on a stretcher during the Brentford match and was sidelined for a couple of months. Reports from Jota’s home country of Portugal indicate that he will be ready to play again by the end of the season.
Potential return game: N/A
Joel Matip – knee
Three months have passed since the centre-back sustained an ACL injury during a 4-3 victory against Fulham. Matip’s absence from Liverpool’s Europa League squad for the last 16 indicates that his return is not imminent. Yesterday, Mo Salah posted a video showing Matip’s rehabilitation work in the gym.
Potential return game: N/A
Thiago Alcantara – hip
The midfielder has only played once this season due to his persistent issue. There’s no specific timeline for his return, and Klopp is uncertain whether Thiago will feature again this season.
Potential return game: N/A
In other Liverpool news, Darwin Nunez Earns Former Liverpool Player’s Praise After Man City Display on Sunday