A total of 23 players have been injured this season and six are currently in treatment, but what about their return? Jurgen Klopp has picked up Diogo Jota, Roberto Firmino and Arthur from injury in recent weeks but has seen four other players on the touchline at the same time.
It’s a cycle that Liverpool have struggled to break this season. Only six members of the senior squad haven’t missed a game due to a fitness issue.
With five games over 18 days on the horizon, here’s what Liverpool’s injured list looks like.
Darwin Nunez—Shoulder
Released since: Crystal Palace (A)
To return: Wolves (H) or Man United (H)
Darwin Nunez suffered a shoulder injury at Newcastle and while playing against Real Madrid thanks to a prick, another blow left him out of Palace.
With no ‘structural damage’ there is hope the pain will subside and Nunez can return soon, but since he ‘couldn’t move his arm at all’ there is no guarantee. What Klopp said (after Palace): “It was good with an injection against Madrid because there’s no structural damage – it’s very painful.
“We’ll have to see how long that lasts, but that was the reason he [wasn’t playing].”
Ibrahima Konaté – Hamstrings
Out Since: January 29 (vs Brighton)
Return: early March
The Frenchman was given an initial limit of three to four weeks for his hamstring injury and has almost moved past it, but luckily he is now back in training.
By comparison, Virgil van Dijk, who was also out earlier this year with a hamstring injury, missed six weeks of action but Konate is nearing his return – which will be welcome.
What Klopp said (outside the Palace): “Ibou is close but had two sessions with us after a long injury.”
Thiago – Hip
Unavailable since: February 7 (vs. wolves)
Return: mid-March
Earlier this month, Klopp admitted Thiago would be “out for a while” with a hip problem, with an initial four-week delay widely speculated.
Earlier this month, Klopp admitted Thiago would be “out for a while” with a hip problem, with an initial four-week delay widely speculated.
The staff ‘hope’ the Spaniard won’t be sidelined for as long as these initial reports. The No.6 could be back in action before the international break.
Luis Diaz – Knee
Eliminated since: October 9 (vs Arsenal)
Return: mid-late March
Luis Diaz continues to make positive progress on his return and trains regularly on Kirkby’s outdoor courts, but he is yet to return to full training.
The hope that he would at least be there for the away game against Real Madrid on March 15 has long been the hope that the schedule still seems within reach, but he will only be back in the XI. after the international break.
What Klopp said (before Newcastle): “Luis is not [ready] yet.”
Joe Gomez – Hamstrings
Away since: Real Madrid (M)
Return: Probably after the international break
Joe Gomez, the youngest player to succumb to a hamstring injury, was taken off in the Real Madrid loss and is on the sidelines for the first time this season. He has been called up to 35 of 36 squads this season but will now be sidelined for at least a few weeks, with a return very likely after the international break in March.
What Klopp said (pre-Palace): “They’re both [Gomez and Nunez] injured.”
Calvin Ramsay – Knee
Outside: end of January
To return: next season
It’s been a tumultuous debut season for Calvin Ramsay, with a back injury sidelined for four and a half months and now a serious knee problem.
The young right-back underwent surgery in mid-February and the manager has all but ruled out a return this season, rightly aiming to be ready for 2023-24.
What Klopp said (pre-Newcastle): “He has that injury now and this is the season over.
“Even if he could come back a little earlier, that doesn’t make sense. Because it’s really time to build up the boy physically and start from scratch afterwards.
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