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Liverpool injury news on Alexander Isak, Mo Salah, Hugo Ekitike, Alisson Becker and more.
Arne Slot knows he has much to ponder during the international break.
Liverpool’s chances of Champions League qualification hang in the balance. A 2-1 loss to Brighton & Hove Albion was a 10th defeat in the Premier League this season - something that no-one expected from the Reds during a title defence.
Sitting fifth in the table, just a point above Chelsea in the table, Liverpool have seven games remaining in the top flight and have little margin for error. But despite their woes this term, Slot still has a chance to redeem the campaign. The Reds are in the FA Cup and Champions League quarter-finals where they will face Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain respectively.
If Liverpool could win silverware and book their spot in next term’s Champions League then it would be deemed as satisfactory. But to achieve that, Slot will need members of his squad back. Injuries have hit the Reds hard this campaign and current list of players sidelined is substantial.
With that in mind, here’s a current look at the injury list and when some could be back in action.
Hugo Ekitike - dead leg
The striker was forced off within eight minutes against Brighton. However, after the game, Slot claimed that Ekitike would be able to ‘play tomorrow’ because of the nature of his issue and he has reported for France duty.
Potential return game: Man City (A), Saturday 4 April.
Federico Chiesa - unknown
The forward came off the Brighton and travelled to Italy for international duty. However, Chiesa has been denied a first Azzuri outing in almost two weeks. After being checked by the Italy medical team, they agreed with Liverpool that he would not be involved in the World Cup play-off semi-final against Northern Ireland. The extend of Chiesa’s issue is undetermined.
Potential return game: Man City (A), Saturday 4 April.
Mo Salah - groin
It was an unusual sight for the winger to be asked to be substituted in the 4-0 win over Galatasaray in the Champions League. Salah would have fancied adding to his tally but deemed his problem serious enough to be taken off and not play against Brighton. He has not reported for Egypt duty and could face a race to be fit for the Man City game.
Potential return game: Man City (A), Saturday 4 April.
Alexander Isak - broken leg
A return is near for the £125m British record signing. Isak has been unavailable for more than three months, but he has been running outside lately. The next step is team teaming but Liverpool will slowly want to build his strength and fitness.
Potential return game: PSG (A), Wednesday 8 April.
Alisson Becker - unknown
The No.1 goalkeeper missed out against Brighton, while he was also absent for the Champions League first-leg loss to Galatasaray. Alisson has suggested he will be on the treatment table for a prolonged period. He posted on Instagram: “ Unfortunately I'll have to stay a while out of action. Already working hard to be back.”
Potential return game: N/A
Wataru Endo - ankle
The midfielder has been missing for the best of six week after being stretchered off in a 1-0 win at Sunderland. Endo’s main aim will be to return in time to captain Japan at the World Cup. Slot hopes that the ex-Stuttgart man will be fit before the season’s end.
Potential return: Late April
Conor Bradley - knee
The right-back continues his recovery from a serious injury. He has been sidelined for two-and-a-half months.
Potential return: Pre-season.
Giovanni Leoni - ACL
The summer signing from Parma is still on the mend after sustaining his unlucky problem on debut last September.
Potential return: Pre-season
Stefan Bajcetic - hamstring
It is approaching 11 months since the midfielder picked up his issue on loan at Las Palmas and required surgery. Bajcetic has had several setbacks and not made an appearance at any level this season.
Potential return game: N/A
Jayden Danns - hamstring
The striker suffered wretched luck on his return to action for the under-21s last week. Having been absent for around six months, Danns had to be forced off in the 29th minute of a clash against Man City. Young Reds boss Rob Page somewhat allayed fears but Liverpool are going to have to be careful.
Potential return game: N/A
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