Gomez, Alisson & Chiesa: Latest Liverpool injury news and expected return datesplaceholder image
Gomez, Alisson & Chiesa: Latest Liverpool injury news and expected return dates | Getty Images
The latest Liverpool injury news and likely return dates - featuring updates on Joe Gomez, Federico Chiesa and more.
Liverpool will have to put Saturday’s disappointing 3-2 defeat to Bournemouth behind them quickly, with games against Qarabag and Newcastle United taking place inside the next seven days – but injury and selection issues will continue to make preparation a challenge for Arne Slot’s side.
The Dutchman’s defensive options are already severely limited, but he now has to fret over the fitness of Joe Gomez, who sustained another injury at the Vitality Stadium after a collision with Alisson, while centre-back Ibrahima Konaté remains on compassionate leave. Meanwhile, Federico Chiesa and Alexander Isak are among other key players who will be out or doubtful for this week’s matches.
With the Champions League match at home to Qarabag fast approaching, we’ve collected all of the latest Liverpool injury news and selection updates below, along with the absent players’ expected return dates when available.
How bad is Joe Gomez’s injury for Liverpool?
Versatile defender Joe Gomez has had precious little luck with injuries in recent years, and no sooner was he restored to the starting line-up than he suffered another one. The 28-year-old suffered a knock during the defeat to Bournemouth - Liverpool’s first in 14 games - just before the half-hour mark and was eventually taken off as a result, although not before the hosts took advantage of a lengthy delay to the substitution to score their second goal against ten men.
Slot explained after the match that the injury was the result of a collision with goalkeeper Alisson, who himself had “swelling in his knee” as a result but was able to continue for the rest of the game.
“It was bone on bone and you could see he was just not able to continue,” Slot told the press. “I don’t know if [Gomez] is going to train in two or three days, that’s difficult for me to say. But it was clear he couldn’t go on today.”
As it stands, Gomez is a significant doubt for the midweek match against Qarabag, victory in which would guarantee Liverpool a place in the Champions League last 16. Alisson appears to be able to play if required, but Giorgio Mamardashvili could well deputise with some amount of squad rotation to be expected.
Will Federico Chiesa or Ibrahima Konaté play against Qarabag?
Complicating Slot’s selection process further is the absence of centre-back Ibrahima Konaté, who is on compassionate leave following the sad passing of his father. There is no word on when the Frenchman might return to action, with Slot understandably telling the media that “these are private matters.”
Another player whose status for this week’s games remains uncertain is forward Federico Chiesa. The Italian was described by Slot as “fifty fifty” for the Bournemouth match due to an undisclosed injury, but was ultimately left out of the matchday squad. He is likely to return this week, but it remains uncertain as to whether the Qarabag match will come too soon.
Liverpool will also have to continue to get by without the services of Alexander Isak (broken leg), who is expected back in late March, Conor Bradley (knee), who is likely to be out until November after undergoing surgery, and young defender Geovanni Leoni (ACL), who is unlikely to be available before the end of the season. Long-term absentee Stefan Bajčetić (hamstring) could be ready to play of the reserve team next month.
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