Liverpool are set to be without a number of players through injury when they travel to Newcastle United on Wednesday night
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Federico Chiesa of Liverpool and Chris Black, Lead Strength and Conditioning Coach, ahead of the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 training session at AXA Melwood Training Centre
Federico Chiesa of Liverpool and Chris Black, Lead Strength and Conditioning Coach, ahead of the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 training session at AXA Melwood Training Centre
(Image: Photo by Jess Hornby/Getty Images)
Liverpool are once again down to the bare bones defensively ahead of their trip to Newcastle United. Arne Slot has already confirmed that he only has five defenders available for Wednesday night’s clash at St. James’ Park.
Ibrahima Konate, Conor Bradley and Kostas Tsimikas all sat out the Reds’ 2-0 victory over Man City through injury. The France and Greece international were both spotted at Anfield on crutches, with the latter also wearing a protective boot.
Speaking after the win over Pep Guardiola’s side, Slot confirmed that the trio would definitely miss this week’s meetings with Newcastle and Everton, and expected them all to be out for a number of weeks.
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But they are not the only players Liverpool are currently having to make do without. Ahead of the Reds’ clash with the Magpies, the ECHO takes a look at Slot’s current injury list.
Alisson Becker is closing in on a return to action after suffering a hamstring injury at the start of October away at Crystal Palace, and recently offered an explanation as to why his absence had proven to be particularly lengthy.
Slot has already confirmed that the Brazilian will return as first-choice when back fit despite the impressive form of Caoimhin Kelleher. But he has also admitted that the Irishman is currently ensuring that the Reds have no need to rush Alisson back until he is 100% ready.
The Liverpool number one was pictured in training during the November international break, but only in individual sessions. While an exact return date is unclear, Slot did confirm that he expects the Brazil international to be back in the Reds goal before the end of the month.
At his latest pre-match press conference, Slot said: “We are just waiting for the moment that Alisson is completely fit because Caoimh is doing too well to put Alisson in goal if he is only on 50 per cent [fitness] and that would not be good for Alisson and not be good for the team.
“He’s getting there. It might take a few more extra days but he’s getting closer and closer and like I’ve always said the end phase of rehab is always the period where you feel like, ‘OK, is he really there or does he need a few extra days?’ But he will be in goal before the end of December if things continue like they are.”
Federico Chiesa, meanwhile, as not played for Liverpool since making his full debut against West Ham United in the League Cup in September, but is on the verge of a comeback after returning to team training.
The Reds have made sure not to rush the Italian, with the forward taking part in parts of team training over the past two weeks. Slot confirmed ‘he is getting back’ ahead of facing Newcastle. It remains to be seen if that means Chiesa would be fit enough for a place on the bench at St. James’ Park.
Diogo Jota has not played for Liverpool since being forced off with an impact injury to his upper body in the first half against Chelsea after the October international break.
Slot previously admitted he did not expect the Portuguese to return until December, before later confirming he was expected to miss both clashes with Real Madrid and Man City.
He was pictured training after the November international break, but is not yet back in team sessions.
Like Alisson and Chiesa, he is edging closer to a return as a result. However, Slot did not offer an update on the forward ahead of facing Newcastle, with it unlikely he is yet fit enough to make a comeback.
Bradley suffered a hamstring injury against Real Madrid and has been ruled out for a ‘few weeks’ by Slot as a result.
While the Dutchman is bemoaning his recent defensive injuries, he confirmed ahead of Newcastle that the Northern Irishman, Konate and Tsimikas would at least all be back in action come January.
Konate suffered a knee injury in the closing stages of Liverpool’s win over Real Madrid, and would later confirm on social media that he was set for a spell on the sidelines.
Ruled out of the victory over Man CIty, he was spotted on crutches at Anfield to cheer on his team-mates. Slot has since confirmed he is set to be out for ‘a few weeks’ but is expected to return to action come January.
Tsimikas, meanwhile, suffered an ankle injury in training last month, and was spotted on crutches and in a protective boot when Liverpool faced Man City.
Ruled out of both clashes against Newcastle and Everton, Slot has confirmed he is expected to return to action by January at the latest.