Liverpool could be without seven injured players for Crystal Palace

And with a further six games in December, here’s when the Reds’ absentees could potentially return.

Joel Matip

After being withdrawn in the second half of Sunday’s win over Fulham, it was at Bramall Lane three days later that Klopp confirmed Matip had ruptured his ACL and would be facing an extended spell on the sidelines.

Speaking to reporters, Klopp said: “‘It’s an ACL, ruptured, so that’s what I unfortunately expected from the first second. Everything looked like that. Very unfortunate.”

Matip, 32, has been impressive for the Reds this term and had, until his injury, Ibrahima Konate limited to off-the-bench appearances in recent weeks.

Sadly for the defender, with ACL injuries typically requiring nine months on the sidelines, it is unclear whether he will play for the club again due to his contract expiring at the end of June.

Potential return date: Unknown

Alexis Mac Allister

Mac Allister was substituted after roughly 60 minutes of Wednesday’s victory at Bramall Lane after taking an early knock to the knee.

Taking to Instagram after the game, however, the Argentine confirmed that he was fine and only required stitches for the wounds he suffered.

He said: “Everything’s fine. I got a few stitches, but I’ll bounce back soon. We keep going. Come on Liverpool.”

But with Liverpool facing a quick turnaround in time for their trip at Selhurst Park, Mac Allister could be left out of the squad as a precaution.

Potential return date: December 14

Diogo Jota

Jota will be hoping he can prove his fitness ahead of next week’s visit to Manchester United.

The forward has not featured since November 25 when he was substituted against Manchester City with a muscle injury.

However, earlier this week he was able to make a return to the grass and could join in with team training before Saturday’s trip to Selhurst Park.

Potential return date: December 14-17

Alisson Becker

On Thursday, Alisson hinted at a return to team training as he posted a picture of his goalkeeper gloves on his Instagram story.

The Brazilian shot-stopper has not played for the Reds since last month’s draw at Manchester City, in which he appeared to pull his thigh late on when attempting a clearance.

In his absence, Caoimhin Kelleher has started the Reds’ last three games in all competitions and will be expected to do so in their next against Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Alisson, though, will be hoping he can return in time for next weekend’s clash against Manchester United at Anfield.

Potential return date: December 17

Andy Robertson, Stefan Bajcetic, Thiago Alcantara:

That leaves Liverpool’s three long-term absentees – Robertson, Bajcetic and Thiago – who are not expected to return to action until January 2024.

Robertson has not played for the Reds since October due to dislocating his shoulder while on international duty with Scotland and later requiring surgery on the issue.

Thiago, meanwhile, hasn’t played a competitive game since April and last month Klopp confirmed the Spaniard had suffered a setback in his quest for full fitness.

Speaking on December 1, the Liverpool boss said: “Nothing [has] changed. We said that he needs time, and we will give him that time. As easy as that. [We] see him every day; he is still a fantastic guy who works hard to get back.”

Finally, 19-year-old Bajcetic is suffering from growing issues and therefore Klopp has refused to put a timeline on when we could see him back in action.