Liverpool’s Injury Woes Deepen Ahead of Merseyside Derby | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Injury Concerns Mount as Key Players Face Uncertain Timelines

Liverpool’s Carabao Cup final defeat to Newcastle was a bitter pill to swallow, but the loss at Wembley may have brought more than just disappointment. Injuries continue to be a concern for Arne Slot’s squad as the Reds prepare for the final stretch of the Premier League campaign.

With no fixture until the Merseyside derby against Everton on April 2, there is time for recovery, but some absences could still prove costly. Here’s the latest on Liverpool’s injury situation and potential return dates.

Harvey Elliott’s Knock Raises Concerns

Harvey Elliott made a notable impact in the final, coming off the bench to set up Federico Chiesa’s stoppage-time goal. However, his night ended in discomfort after a heavy challenge from Newcastle’s Joelinton.

Photo: IMAGO

Elliott completed the match but was visibly in pain, requiring treatment before being helped off the pitch. Slot did not provide an update post-match, but his condition may become clearer if he withdraws from Lee Carsley’s England Under-21 squad for their upcoming fixtures against France and Portugal.

Potential return date: April 2 vs Everton (H)

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Recovery Unclear

Liverpool were without Trent Alexander-Arnold at Wembley, with the vice-captain still sidelined by an ankle injury sustained in the Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. Jarell Quansah deputised at right-back, but Alexander-Arnold’s absence remains a concern.

Photo: IMAGO

Slot confirmed before the final that the England international would return before the end of the season but was unable to provide a definitive timeline.

“So, Trent is indeed not available,” Slot said. “He will not be there at the final. But he is still to be assessed for how long it’s going to take but we do expect him back in the end of the season.”

Potential return date: Unknown

Conor Bradley Still Weeks Away

Conor Bradley’s breakthrough season hit a setback with a hamstring injury suffered in Liverpool’s 2-2 draw against Aston Villa. The young full-back was ruled out for “a few weeks,” but his recovery remains ongoing.

Slot acknowledged that Bradley’s return would take time. “I cannot tell exactly how many, but it is clear that he went off with a muscle injury and that it is going to take a while before he is back,” he said.

Bradley was omitted from Northern Ireland’s squad for their international friendlies, indicating he will not be fit until at least April.

Potential return date: April 2025

Joe Gomez Faces Long-Term Absence

Liverpool’s right-back options have been further depleted with Joe Gomez also on the treatment table. Having missed January with a hamstring issue, the defender’s comeback was short-lived as he lasted just 10 minutes against Plymouth before suffering another setback.

Surgery was required, and while Slot has not ruled out a return before the season’s end, it remains a long shot. “A long time” was the Dutchman’s assessment of Gomez’s layoff, suggesting a return will be towards the campaign’s closing stages.

Potential return date: May 2025

Tyler Morton’s Season in Doubt

Midfielder Tyler Morton is also recovering from surgery, having undergone a shoulder operation in February. His return date is uncertain, and it remains to be seen whether he will feature again this season.

With Liverpool battling on multiple fronts, the absences of key figures like Alexander-Arnold, Bradley, and Gomez could prove pivotal. The international break offers some respite, but all eyes will be on the medical reports ahead of the crucial clash with Everton.

Potential return date: May 2025