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Liverpool’s relentless calendar was dealt an unexpected twist this past weekend as the Premier League clash against Everton was postponed. The final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park was called off mere hours before kick-off due to safety concerns arising from Storm Darragh. While some might see this as a disruption, others could argue it provides much-needed breathing space for a team battling a growing injury list.
Photo: IMAGO
Postponement Amidst a Packed Schedule
The postponement, while frustrating for fans, offers Arne Slot’s Liverpool some respite. Set to face Everton without the suspended Alexis Mac Allister, the Reds were also grappling with a lengthy injury list featuring six first-team players. Now, with the fixture likely rescheduled for the New Year, Liverpool can focus on regrouping after their dramatic six-goal thriller at Newcastle and ahead of their Champions League test against Girona.
Following the Girona clash, Fulham visit Anfield, before Liverpool head to Southampton for the Carabao Cup quarter-finals. December concludes with a flurry of games against Tottenham, Leicester, and West Ham, culminating in a pivotal New Year showdown with Manchester United. The postponed derby now looms as a crucial task in an already daunting second half of the season.
Injury Updates: Key Players on the Brink of Returns
Injuries have played a significant role in Liverpool’s season so far. Alisson Becker, the dependable shot-stopper, has been out of action since sustaining a hamstring injury in early October. His absence has stretched to 11 matches, with Caoimhin Kelleher filling in admirably despite a costly late error against Newcastle. Encouragingly, Alisson has returned to light training, with Arne Slot hinting, “Not ready yet, but will be ready very soon.” His potential return against Girona or Fulham could provide the defensive stability Liverpool crave.
Photo: IMAGO
Diogo Jota is another key player nearing a comeback. The Portuguese forward has been sidelined since mid-October with a chest injury but was spotted in training last week. Slot’s confirmation that “Jota is close to being back” is a timely boost, particularly with Liverpool’s packed December schedule.
Chiesa, Konate, and Others: Long Road to Recovery
Summer signing Federico Chiesa’s Liverpool career has yet to truly begin. The Italian winger has featured sparingly due to fitness concerns but recently found the net in an under-21 fixture, signalling his readiness to rejoin the senior squad. Slot optimistically remarked, “Federico is close to being back.” Whether he makes the bench against Girona or Fulham remains to be seen.
Defensively, Liverpool’s issues persist. Ibrahima Konate’s knee injury, sustained against Real Madrid, has left a void alongside Virgil van Dijk. Joe Gomez has stepped in, but the Frenchman’s absence has been felt in key moments. Slot described his recovery timeline as “a few weeks,” raising hopes of a return during the festive period.
Conor Bradley, the young Northern Ireland international, also suffered a setback against Real Madrid. His hamstring injury is expected to keep him sidelined until the New Year, further testing Liverpool’s defensive depth. Meanwhile, Kostas Tsimikas continues to recover from an ankle injury sustained in training, with his return anticipated later this month.
Mac Allister’s Suspension Adds to the Challenges
Alexis Mac Allister’s enforced absence adds another layer of complexity to Liverpool’s plans. Initially set to serve his one-match Premier League ban against Everton, the postponement means he’ll now miss the Fulham clash. With a separate Champions League suspension in place, the Argentine midfielder’s next opportunity to feature will come in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals against Southampton.
A Balancing Act for Arne Slot
For Slot, the challenge lies in managing a squad stretched thin by injuries while maintaining momentum across multiple competitions. The Reds’ resilience has been on display throughout the season, but the coming weeks will test their depth and adaptability like never before.
As Liverpool navigate this turbulent period, the returns of Alisson, Jota, and others will be pivotal. For now, the postponed derby offers an opportunity to regroup, recalibrate, and prepare for the intense fixtures ahead.
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