With Liverpool’s lead at the top of the Premier League having been cut down to seven points by Newcastle, the Reds’ attention now turns to the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.
Arne Slot gets his first taste of the rivalry with Everton on Saturday with his side looking to return to winning ways after a dramatic night at St James’ Park.
The 3-3 draw with Newcastle saw yet another player ruled out for this weekend’s derby, with Alexis Mac Allister suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season. Although the Argentine has protested his innocence, there will be no way for Liverpool to appeal the decision.
Mac Allister’s absence means as many as seven players could be missing for the Reds on Saturday, although they have received a big injury boost ahead of the meeting with Everton. Here is the latest on the injury front for Liverpool.
Alisson Becker
Alisson is slowly closing in on a return to action, with Slot having confirmed the Brazilian should be back before the end of December.
The Liverpool boss has made it clear that Alisson will regain his place from Caoimhin Kelleher once he is 100 per cent fit, although no chances are being taken at the moment. After the Irishman’s mistake at Newcastle, the Reds may hope he’s back sooner rather than later.
Possible return date: Before the end of December
Ibrahima Konate
Ibrahima Konate looks as though he could be facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after picking up a knee injury in a tussle with Real Madrid’s Endrick last week.
The French international was seen on crutches during Sunday’s win over Manchester City. Slot hasn’t put a set date on a return, but Konate will almost certainly miss the rest of December now, with Liverpool hoping he isn’t missing for much longer.
Possible return date: January 2025
Conor Bradley
Like Konate, Conor Bradley looks set to miss the rest of December after being forced off against Real Madrid with a hamstring problem. It was reported over the weekend by the Belfast Telegraph that the Northern Ireland international will be facing a six-week absence.
With defensive options running low, and with Trent Alexander-Arnold having only recently returned from injury himself, Liverpool could do with Bradley back as soon as possible.
Possible return date: January 2025
Kostas Tsimikas
Kostas Tsimikas joined Konate in reporting for the game against City on crutches. The Greek international picked up an ankle knock in training before the game against Southampton, and has been missing ever since.
It’s expected the left-back will be missing for another few weeks before he can return, leaving Andy Robertson as the only senior left-back at the moment.
Possible return date: Unknown
Diogo Jota
There is an air of mystery around Diogo Jota’s fitness at the moment. The Portuguese international has been out since picking up a chest injury against Chelsea in October, although he was expected to return soon after the most recent international break.
He hasn’t featured in any of the games since then, but he has been pictured at Liverpool’s training ground, suggesting he might be closing in on a return. When that will be though is still anyone’s guess.
Possible return date: Unknown, likely to be at some point in December
Federico Chiesa
It’s been a frustrating season for Federico Chiesa since he completed his switch from Juventus during the summer. The Italian has been trying to build up his fitness after being left out of Juve’s pre-season plans, although that has proven to be a long process.
The 27-year-old though stepped things up on Wednesday as he turned out for the U21s. Chiesa played a pre-planned 60 minutes against Danish side Nordsjaelland, and even scored a goal during the 4-3 defeat.
Given how little action he has had this season, it would be a surprise to see him in the squad at Everton on Saturday, but the Italian may well find himself in the reckoning given the current injury situation.
Possible return date: December 7 vs Everton