Liverpool could be without as many as six players for Wednesday’s trip to Newcastle United as the Reds look to maintain their lead at the top of the Premier League.
Arne Slot’s side is flying following Sunday’s 2-0 win over Manchester City. They now hold a nine-point lead over their nearest challengers Arsenal and Chelsea, while Pep Guardiola’s side sit 11 points off the page.
That of course puts Liverpool in a great position in the title race, although with only 13 games gone, there is still a long way to go before anything is decided. What’s more, they face another tricky set of fixtures this month that will no doubt test their credentials to become champions.
First up is a trip to St James’ Park, and although Eddie Howe’s side currently finds itself in the bottom half, the Reds will know not to underestimate the Magpies – especially with some key players still out missing.
Liverpool will definitely be without four players, with Ibrahima Konate, Conor Bradley and Kostsas Tsimikas all recently being admitted to the treatment room, and leaving the Reds light on numbers in defense.
Alisson Becker also remains out as his recovery from a hamstring problem continues, although Slot has revealed the Brazilian should return before the end of December. With his deputy Caoimhin Kelleher not putting a foot wrong so far, there will be no rush for Alisson to be reinstated before he’s 100 per cent fit.
KIRKBY, ENGLAND - APRIL 17: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Alisson Becker of Liverpool during the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 quarter-final second leg training and press conference at AXA Training Centre on April 17, 2024 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Alisson Becker has been missing for Liverpool since early October (Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
There are still question marks over the fitness of Diogo Jota and Federico Chiesa. The former has been missing since picking up an injury in his side against Chelsea in October, and very little updates have been given since Slot suggested the Portuguese would return after November’s international break.
As for Chiesa, Slot has confirmed the Italian has been training with the first-team as he builds his fitness up following a frustrating start to his Liverpool career. You’d have to imagine it would be doubtful that we will see him at Newcastle, although we could be getting closer to seeing him make a return to the matchday squad.
Everything else looks to be in working order in the Reds’ squad, although there is one player walking a suspension tightrope.
A yellow card for Alexis Mac Allister at St James’ Park would see him miss Saturday’s Merseyside derby at Everton, with the Argentine having already picked up four bookings this season. With six games still to go before the cut-off point, it does seem likely Mac Allister may have to sit a game out before the end of the year.