Alexander-Arnold, Alisson, Jota: Liverpool injury news and potential return dates ahead of Real Madrid clash

Liverpool’s stunning run of form continued at the weekend as they capitalised on yet another nightmare result for Manchester City. After being thumped 4-0 at home by Tottenham Hotspur, the reigning Premier League champions are now eight points behind the cruising Reds, who are very much enjoying this near perfect start to the Arne Slot chapter.

It wasn’t the easiest of wins for Liverpool but their latest efforts were enough to produce an important comeback against relegation candidates Southampton. City have now lost five games in a row in all competitions, piling pressure onto Pep Guardiola despite him penning a new contract just days ago.

This run of dismal form by City’s standards could not have come at a better time for Liverpool, as they will face the champions on December 1st at Anfield. It is a huge opportunity to put even more daylight between the two but before they face the wounded Citizens, Real Madrid await them in the Champions League.

While the Reds have been in fine form, they are still without a number of key players through injury. We’ve rounded up the latest fitness updates ahead of their midweek European clash.

Alisson

Liverpool have been relying on Caoimhin Kelleher during Alisson’s injury absence. The Brazilian has been working to come back from a hamstring problem and has recently returned to squad training, but was not risked against Southampton as he ‘wasn’t ready to play’ yet. Plus, with Kelleher in solid form, it’s unlikely Liverpool will rush Alisson back, so he could make a return in December.

Federico Chiesa

Federico Chiesa’s start to Anfield life has not gone as desired, having played just 78 minutes of football across all competitions since the season started. The most recent update on Chiesa’s fitness came at the start of the month, as Slot confirmed he would not feature before the international break. The boss was hopeful the Italian would ‘join them’ following the return of domestic football but so far, there is no set date for when that might be.

Diogo Jota

Slot said earlier this month that Liverpool were expecting Diogo Jota back in action ‘one or two weeks’ after the international break. After sustaining a rib injury against Chelsea, the boss said ahead of their latest clash that Jota is still facing a spell on the sidelines. Fans could see the forward return in December.

Trent Alexander-Arnold

After coming off against Aston Villa with an injury, concerns were raised over Trent Alexander-Arnold but he is expected to be back in contention fairly soon. Ahead of their clash with Southampton, Slot said that the right-back’s likelihood of returning against either Real Madrid or Man City is going to be ‘in between’.

Kostas Tsimikas

Ian Doyle reported on Sunday that Kostas Tsimikas was absent from the latest squad after picking up a knock during training. There has been no confirmed timeline for the Greek defender but if it’s a minor issue, he could be back in contention to face Madrid.