Liverpool return to Premier League play this weekend against Brighton at Anfield.
The Reds face the Seagulls in their first match back since the March international break. With a win over Brighton, Liverpool may return to the top of the Premier League table.
Jurgen Klopp’s side is presently second in the standings, tied on points with leaders Arsenal, who have a stronger goal difference than the Reds. Liverpool will kick off before the Gunners face championship rivals Manchester City on Sunday, which means the Reds may finish the weekend top of the standings if results go their way.
However, some of Klopp’s top players will be sidelined due to injuries. The Liverpool manager gave an update on the fitness of his injured players at a press conference on Friday, and the ECHO has now produced a round-up of the current injury situation at Anfield.
Darwin Nunez
Darwin Nunez was a fitness worry during the international break after being pulled from the Uruguay squad.
Nunez was suspected of suffering an injury during the FA Cup defeat to Manchester United. However, Klopp said that Nunez is in training and ready to play against Brighton.
“Darwin is fine.” “He did his rehab during the week,” Klopp explained. “Trained the first day partially, and since then he is in full training.”
The expected return date for Brighton (H) is March 31.
Diogo Jota
Diogo Jota has been recovering from a knee injury sustained during the win over Brentford on February 17.
He has been accelerating his recuperation during the international break, although he is still not in full training. Klopp did not specify when Jota would be available again, but the team hopes he will return next month if everything goes as planned.
The expected return date is April.
Trent Alexander–Arnold
Trent Alexander-Arnold spent the bulk of 2024 rehabilitating from a knee injury.
Alexander-Arnold has only appeared in four Premier League games since the turn of the year, being substituted at halftime against Burnley on February 10. He is speeding up his recovery but is not expected to be available until next month provided all goes as planned.
The expected return date is April.
Ibrahima Konate
Ibrahima Konate has been rehabilitating from a muscular ailment in recent weeks, therefore he has missed Liverpool’s previous four games.
The defender recovered in time to play for France during the international break, but was not seen practicing for Liverpool earlier this week. Klopp clarified that the cause for his absence was not connected to an injury.
“Ibou was an extra rest day, nothing else,” Klopp added.
The expected return date for Brighton (H) is March 31.
Curtis Jones
Curtis Jones has been recovering from an ankle injury suffered against Brentford in February.
The midfielder has been working on his recovery in recent weeks and could make his return against Brighton on Sunday. Klopp issued an update on Jones’ fitness, acknowledging that he was still unsure about his availability.
“Curtis, I am not sure if he is available,” stated Klopp. “But will be in training.”
The expected return date for Brighton (H) is March 31.
Andy Robertson
Andy Robertson’s fitness is in doubt after injuring his ankle during Scotland’s international break.
Robertson returned to Merseyside for additional evaluation, and Liverpool has not specified when the left-back will be available again. Klopp did admit that the injury was not as severe as initially feared.
“Robbo, we’re taking it day by day,” Klopp remarked. “We’ll see. I won’t be able to train today, but that’s not that bad. That is OK.
The expected return date is April.
Alisson Becker
Alisson Becker has been rehabilitating from a hamstring injury since last month and has not featured for Liverpool since February 4 against Arsenal.
The Brazilian has been making progress in his recuperation in recent weeks, but no timetable has been set for when Alisson will return to the squad. Since Alisson’s injury, Caoimhin Kelleher has stepped in to replace him, and it is unclear when the Reds’ No. 1 will return.
The expected return date is April/May.
Stephan Bajcetic
Stefan Bajcetic has struggled with injuries this season, making only two appearances for the club, both of which came in September.
The midfielder has been accelerating his comeback in recent weeks, notably during the international break. Klopp indicated that he expects Bajcetic will return to squad training soon.
“Football brain wise, he is a natural, he’s not lost anything there, but rhythm is something else,” Klopp said of Bajcetic on Friday. “He is now in partial training with the U21s and will begin full training with them next week. After that, he will join us for training. That is the plan. “Then we’ll see.”
The expected return date is April/May.
Thiago Alcantara
Thiago Alcantara has only appeared in five minutes of football for Liverpool this season, coming on as a late substitute against Arsenal in February.
The midfielder suffered a hamstring injury during the game and is now on the sidelines to heal. It’s unclear whether he’ll return to the matchday squad before the end of the season.
Expected return date: unknown.
Joel Matip
Joel Matip has been rehabilitating from an ACL injury sustained in the 4-3 victory over Fulham at the beginning of December.
Matip is anticipated to miss the rest of the season owing to his injury. The defender’s contract expires this summer, so it’s unclear whether he’ll play again for the club.
Expected return date: unknown.
Ben Doak
Ben Doak has been out since December due to a knee injury sustained while playing for Liverpool’s Under-21s.
The Reds have not stated when they expect Doak to return to team training or the matchday squad.
Expected return date: unknown.
