All the latest Liverpool injury news and updates ahead of the Reds’ clash against Crystal Palace, with some big names nearing a return.
Liverpool will be determined to return to winning ways this weekend after an embarrassing 3-0 defeat to Atalanta in the Europa League quarterfinal first leg on Thursday night. The Reds will welcome Crystal Palace to Anfield on Sunday afternoon as either side looks to climb the Premier League table.
Just a nine-goal difference separates Liverpool in second from Arsenal in first place, with Manchester City trailing the two frontrunners by just a point. With the Gunners set to lock horns with Aston Villa this weekend, Jurgen Klopp’s side have an excellent opportunity to reclaim top spot.
As for Crystal Palace, they’re five points clear of the relegation zone but they’re far from safety just yet. The south Londoners are winless in their last five Premier League games so the Reds will be looking to pile on the misery.
While Liverpool may fancy their chances, they’re set to be without some big names. So, with that being said, the Liverpool Echo has taken a look at all the latest injury news and updates at the AXA Training Centre.
Diogo Jota
Diogo Jota finally made his return to action during Liverpool’s defeat to Atalanta. The Reds have been without the 27-year-old forward since he was stretchered off in their 4-1 win over Brentford back in February.
Possible return date: Returned
Alisson Becker
Alisson Becker has been sidelined since February after suffering a hamstring injury in the days before the Reds’ clash at Brentford. The 31-year-old goalkeeper recently returned to first-team training, though he was absent from the matchday squad which faced Atalanta.
What Klopp has said: “Alisson is on the way back as well. So, we have to see that. It’s always a challenge trying to reintegrate the guys. With the quality they have it should be easier, and we will use them in the next days and weeks, but what it means for [Thursday] I didn’t make a decision yet.”
Possible return date: Crystal Palace (H) – April 14
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Trent Alexander-Arnold returned to the Liverpool matchday squad which faced Atalanta. The 25-year-old right-back missed nearly two months of action for the Reds after suffering a recurrence of a knee injury against Burnley in February.
What Klopp has said: “They are now back in training and now we have to see how we involve them and how we use them. That we need them is clear. But we need them in the best possible shape, and we want to give them kind of rhythm.
“It’s always a challenge trying to reintegrate the guys. With the quality they have it should be easier, and we will use them in the next days and weeks, but what it means for [Thursday] I didn’t make a decision yet.”
Expected return date: Crystal Palace (H) – April 14
Stefan Bajcetic
Stefan Bajcetic also returned to the Liverpool matchday squad which faced Atalanta following an extended spell on the sidelines. The 19-year-old has made just two appearances this season for the Reds, with the last coming back in September.
Bajcetic returned to the pitch for the under-21s on Friday night as he stepped up his comeback ahead of his reintegration into the first-team.
What Klopp has said: “Stefan is different a little bit because he was out for much longer, but he is now training with us for longer as well. But I think after the long spell he had without playing football it makes sense that we might give him a game at U21s and then let’s see how he deals with that.”
Potential return date: Crystal Palace (H) – April 14
Joel Matip
Joel Matip has been recovering from an ACL injury he sustained in early December, which required the defender to undergo surgery. The 32-year-old defender has been stepping up his recovery in recent weeks, though he’s not expected to return to action this season.
What Klopp has said: “He is running. Yes, he hates that but since he got injured, this is the best moment as it was very painful at the beginning, very painful for him, but he got through that. Now he is pain-free but it all takes time. The season isn’t long enough [for him to return].”
Potential return date: Summer
Ben Doak
Ben Doak has been recovering from a knee injury he sustained during an appearance for Liverpool’s Under-21s back in December. The 18-year-old winger still hasn’t returned to training and it remains to be seen when he’ll return to action.
Potential return date: Unknown
Thiago Alcantara
Thiago Alcantara has played just five minutes of football for Liverpool this season. The 33-year-old midfielder suffered a hamstring injury during a brief cameo against Arsenal in February. It remains to be seen when he’ll make a return to the matchday squad.
Potential return date: Unknown
