Salah, Endo, & Jones: Liverpool injury news latest and return dates ahead of Southampton clash
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
Jurgen Klopp has a headache, and not just because of the Erdingers he was likely knocking back in the wake of Liverpool's Carabao Cup final triumph over Chelsea on Sunday. The Reds finished that match with a side that was, diplomatically speaking, threadbare, but on Wednesday evening they must rally once more as they prepare to face Southampton in the FA Cup at Anfield.
Quite how they will line up, however, remains a mystery. At the time of writing, it is understood that Liverpool could be missing as many as a dozen first team players heading into the match, with several key positions looking worryingly understaffed.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdBut who exactly is set to miss out, and who has a chance of returning in time to face the Saints? We've taken a closer look at Liverpool's latest injury list, and any potential comeback dates where available, below...
Mo Salah
Having overcome an injury sustained at the African Cup of Nations, Salah is currently sidelined with a thigh complaint. His return should be imminent, but whether he is fit enough to play on Wednesday remains to be seen. It is perhaps more likely that he will feature against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Diogo Jota
The Portuguese forward damaged his medial ligament in the build-up to last week's Carabao Cup final, and the understanding is that he could be out of action until mid-April at least.
Darwin Nunez
Another attacking option unavailable to Klopp, Nunez looked pretty okay when he was hurdling the advertising hoarding to celebrate Virgil van Dijk's winning goal at Wembley on Sunday. Facetiousness aside, like Salah, he may have to wait until the weekend to feature.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdJoel Matip
A much longer term injury, Matip is not expected to play again this season after suffering a ruptured ACL last year.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Alexander-Arnold is another who has flitted in and out of fitness in recent weeks, but his latest setback - a lateral collateral ligament injury - could keep him out of action until the end of March.
Alisson Becker
Like Alexander-Arnold, Alisson is expected to be sidelined until the back end of next month, with the Brazilian goalkeeper suffering from a muscular injury. Caoimhin Kelleher will deputise until then.
Curtis Jones
Another injury blow suffered by Liverpool in the past week or so, Jones is understood to be on course for a return around the time of next month's international break, and definitely won't be in contention on Wednesday night.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdDominik Szoboszlai
Szoboszlai is progressing towards a comeback from a thigh issue, but it may be a little while before he is back in the starting XI. Speaking recently, his manager said: 'All the little bit longer-term like Trent and Dom, they are on their way back but not in team training yet, so that means they are not available as well.'
Thiago Alcantara
In a cruel twist of fate, Thiago picked up a thigh complaint during his first five minute cameo of the season against Arsenal earlier this month. In the words of Klopp, it is not a 'big, big injury', but it is still unclear as to exactly how long he will be sidelined for.
Ryan Gravenberch
Injured during Sunday's final, the exact prognosis and severity of Gravenberch's issue is still not fully known. Speaking after the game, Klopp said: 'I hope it's not that bad. They did an X-ray, so it's not broken, but the ligaments got something, and that's how it is.'
Wataru Endo
Endo left Wembley on crutches due to an ankle problem, but it remains to be seen whether that was a precautionary measure, or if he has suffered a serious injury.
Sidelined for a while now, Bajcetic's comeback seemingly keeps getting pushed further and further down the line. At this stage, all that is clear is that he is ruled out for the foreseeable.
Comment Guidelines
National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.