Anfield Index
·18 de novembro de 2024
Anfield Index
·18 de novembro de 2024
As Liverpool prepare for their return to Premier League action against Southampton this Sunday, injury concerns remain a pressing issue for manager Arne Slot. With five key players sidelined, the Reds must navigate their upcoming fixtures with caution. Here’s a breakdown of the current injury situation and what fans can expect.
Availability: Unclear, aiming for a return post-international break
Liverpool’s No. 1, Alisson Becker, has been out of action since October 5, following a hamstring injury sustained against Crystal Palace. The Brazilian has now been absent for six weeks, with Caoimhin Kelleher stepping up admirably in his absence.
Photo: IMAGO
Initially, there was hope that Alisson might return for the Southampton game, but it now appears more likely that he’ll target the crucial clash against Manchester City on December 1. Slot has remained cautious in his updates, keeping fans guessing about the 32-year-old’s exact timeline.
Availability: Likely back for Real Madrid or Manchester City
Vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold is also sidelined with a hamstring injury, but fortunately, his prognosis is more encouraging. The right-back avoided a more severe issue by coming off early against Aston Villa, allowing for a quicker recovery timeline.
Photo: IMAGO
Alexander-Arnold’s return is pencilled in for the Champions League meeting with Real Madrid on November 27, or the pivotal Premier League showdown with City on December 1. However, the Southampton fixture looks to have come too soon for the 25-year-old.
Availability: Could feature against Southampton
Harvey Elliott’s season was derailed by a fractured foot while on duty with England’s U21s. Once expected to play a significant role in Liverpool’s 2024/25 campaign, the youngster has now been sidelined for over two months.
Photo: IMAGO
Encouragingly, Elliott has returned to full training with Liverpool’s U21s and is making steady progress. While he’s in contention for the Southampton game, much will depend on how other squad members fare after their international commitments.
Availability: Back in first-team training soon
Federico Chiesa’s start at Liverpool has been far from ideal, with the Italian forward managing just one substitute appearance in the Premier League. The club has taken a measured approach to his recovery, essentially giving him a “mini pre-season” to ensure he’s ready to contribute effectively.
Photo: IMAGO
Speaking earlier this month, Slot provided a hopeful update:
“At this moment we expect him back during the international break and then he should be with us after the international break normally.”
Chiesa’s return to full training is imminent, and Liverpool fans will be eager to see how he adapts to Slot’s tactical demands.
Availability: Potential return against Newcastle
Diogo Jota remains sidelined after suffering a rib injury during Liverpool’s match against Chelsea. While the Portuguese forward’s recovery is progressing, he’s set to miss the next few fixtures, including Southampton, Real Madrid, and Manchester City.
Photo: IMAGO
The trip to Newcastle on December 4 is a realistic target for Jota’s return, and any earlier comeback would be a bonus.
Arne Slot faces a tricky period managing a squad stretched thin by injuries. While Kelleher’s performances have provided reassurance in Alisson’s absence, the return of experienced players like Trent and Jota will be crucial for the Reds’ push in both domestic and European competitions.
Fans will be hoping for positive updates as the likes of Elliott and Chiesa edge closer to full fitness, and the return of Alisson and Trent could be pivotal for the season ahead.