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As Liverpool enter the Premier League’s decisive phase with a 12-point lead, Arne Slot faces mounting injury concerns affecting his defensive ranks.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, Conor Bradley, and Alisson were all not able to feature against Everton on Wednesday night.
Alexander-Arnold suffered a severe high ankle sprain during Liverpool’s Champions League exit to Paris Saint-Germain on March 11 – and has been out ever since.
Conor Bradley’s season has been derailed by a persistent hamstring tear sustained in February’s 2-2 draw with Aston Villa. Initially projected for 2-3 weeks recovery, the Northern Ireland international has now missed eight matches across all competitions.
Recent training returns sparked optimism about a return for the Northern Ireland international.
However, Slot exercised caution ahead of the Everton clash: “We have to make a smart decision…he’s only had a few sessions after being out quite long”.
This prudence proved justified as Bradley wasn’t risked in Wednesday’s derby, though April fixtures against Fulham and West Ham appear realistic targets.
while Alisson has been following concussion protocols following his head clash during the international break.
Despite returning to training on April 1 and declaring himself “fine” via social media, Liverpool’s medical staff withheld clearance for the Brazilian following Tuesday’s final assessments.
This marked Alisson’s 15th absence this season – his third concussion-related – with Caoimhin Kelleher deputizing capably (19 starts, 8 clean sheets).
And now speaking in his pre-Fulham press conference, Arne Slot has provided a brief injury update on the trio:
“Trent and Joe (Gomez) won’t be back for the coming weeks. We will have to wait and see about Conor (Bradley).
With Ali, it’s a concussion and when he ticks all the boxes he will be back in goal. We’re following the protocols.”