With a place in the Champions League last-16 all but wrapped up, Liverpool turns its attention back to matters in the Premier League – albeit with a lengthy injury list.
Arne Slot may not have been too happy with his side’s performance in Girona, but the 1-0 win leaves the Reds on the verge of a top eight finish in Europe’s league phase. Now, the Liverpool boss will be looking ahead to Saturday’s clash with Fulham.
The Reds were boosted by the return of Alisson Becker on Tuesday, although Alexis Mac Allister will be missing again as he serves his suspension. There could be six more players missing at the weekend, although two do look to be closing in on a return.
Liverpool.com has taken a look at the latest on the injury front, including possible return dates for those currently on the sidelines.
Diogo Jota
Jota looks to be the closest to a return from Liverpool’s current injury list. The Portuguese has been back in training recently, including Monday’s session before the Champions League clash with Girona.
Although he didn’t make the trip to Spain, it looks as though it should just be a matter of time before Jota is back in action for the Reds.
Possible return date: December 14 vs Fulham
Federico Chiesa
Chiesa was denied a place on the plane to Girona after missing Monday’s training session through illness. Hopefully the Italian should be able to report back to the AXA Training Centre soon, with a first team return looking close.
The 27-year-old played an hour for the U21s last week in their 4-3 defeat to the Danish side Nordsjaelland, and even scored a goal in the Premier League International Cup clash. It might be a while before we see him starting for the senior side, but he could be back in the matchday squad soon.
Possible return date: December 14 vs Fulham
Tyler Morton
Morton is the latest name to be added to the injury list, having picked up a knock during Monday’s training session ahead of the Girona game. The midfielder would have almost certainly been on the plane to Spain had it not been for that.
The issue has been described as a ‘minor complaint’ although at this stage there is no official word on how long he may be out for.
Possible return date: Unknown
Ibrahima Konate
Konate’s injury at the end of the win over Real Madrid was a big blow, such has the Frenchman’s form been this season. The sight of him turning up for the game against Manchester City on crutches wasn’t too welcome either.
There’s no word yet on when the defender might be able to return, although he did post a picture on Instagram of himself in his Liverpool training kit at the AXA Training Centre just hours before yesterday’s game against Girona, so hopefully he’s on well on the road to recovery.
Possible return date: Unknown
Conor Bradley
Bradley looks likely to miss the rest of December at the very least after picking up a hamstring problem during the win over Real Madrid. It was reported by the Belfast Telegraph that the Northern Ireland international will be facing a six-week absence.
That does mean Liverpool will have to manage Trent Alexander-Arnold’s minutes closely over the festive period, with the vice-captain having only returned from his own injury recently.
Possible return date: January 2025
Kostas Tsimikas
Like Konate, Tsimikas turned up to watch the City game on crutches, having picked up an ankle injury during training. Quite how long the Greek international will be out for is unknown at this point, although he has been spotted in videos and pictures from the training ground.
He hasn’t yet returned to full training, so it’s likely he’s just undertaking gym work at the moment. Still, with Andy Robertson currently the only fit senior option at left-back, Liverpool could do with having Tsimikas back soon, with academy defender James Norris having earned a spot for the trip to Girona.
Possible return date: Unknown