Liverpool is back on top of the Premier League after its 3-1 victory over Sheffield United. The Reds looked set to be held to a draw at Anfield after Darwin Núñez’s opener was cancelled out by a Conor Bradley own goal.
But an Alexis Mac Allister screamer put his side back in front before Cody Gakpo wrapped up the win late on. Jürgen Klopp’s side is now two points ahead of Arsenal again and three clear of Manchester City before this weekend’s matches.
Next up for Liverpool is a trip to Old Trafford, looking to avenge the recent FA Cup defeat to Manchester United. Arsenal travels to Brighton on Saturday evening, while City takes on Crystal Palace.
Liverpool boss Klopp was able to welcome back both Curtis Jones and Andy Robertson for the win over the Blades after injuries but was without eight players, although some are close to being back.
Here is the latest injury news from Anfield and possible return dates for members of Klopp’s squad as Liverpool looks to continue its push for just a second Premier League title this weekend.
Wataru Endō
Japanese midfielder Endō was not risked against Sheffield United after he picked up a knock in the win over Brighton on Sunday. Klopp issued an update on him after the match and suggested he was in contention to return against Manchester United.
“We rested him today,” said Klopp via the Liverpool ECHO. “We had a feeling that he could’ve had a chance for tonight but if we leave him out there’s a big chance for Sunday. That hasn’t changed.”
Alexis Mac Allister started in a deeper role in Endō’s absence as Ryan Gravenberch was handed a start by Klopp. Liverpool was also boosted by the return to the pitch of fellow midfielder Curtis Jones.
Possible return date: Manchester United (April 7)
Diogo Jota and Trent Alexander-Arnold
Liverpool has been without both Diogo Jota and Trent Alexander-Arnold since mid-February but the pair are close to returning and should be back in training next week. Alexander-Arnold has been struggling with a knee injury for some time and hasn’t featured since the win over Burnley on February 10.
Jota was forced off on a stretcher at Brentford the following week but in his press conference this week, Klopp confirmed they are progressing well. “Diogo and Trent are together in a group, which helps both, but [it] looks like from next week on they will be hopefully in parts of team training, and then we will see the rest,” Klopp said.
Possible return dates: Atalanta (April 11) or Crystal Palace (April 14).
Alisson and Stefan Bajčetić
Klopp has also confirmed that Liverpool No.1 Alisson is set to return to the fold in the coming weeks. The Brazilian injured his hamstring in training and has missed his side’s last 12 matches.
Speaking earlier this week, the Reds boss said: “Ali is with the goalkeeper coaches, so I just see them through the fence, but that looks good as well. I think in his mind as well, next week parts of team training.”
It has been a difficult season for midfielder Stefan Bajčetić after his breakthrough campaign last term. He has been restricted to just two opportunities but has been training with the club’s Under-21s to build his fitness. He is also expected to rejoin the first-team next week.
Possible return dates: Alisson could return vs Crystal Palace, Bajčetić will be after that due to his lengthy absence.
Joël Matip, Thiago Alcântara and Ben Doak
Liverpool defender Joël Matip appears to have played his last game for the club after Klopp revealed he was unlikely to return before the season ends. Matip has been out since December with an ACL injury but is back running at the club’s training ground.
The Reds boss said: “I think since he got injured this is the best moment because it was very painful in the beginning, very painful for him [but] he got through that and now he is pain-free. But, that now all takes time so I don’t think the season is long enough for him.”
Thiago meanwhile has made just one brief cameo appearance this term at Arsenal. He is also out of contract this summer and Spanish outlet Relevo claims he has returned to his homeland to work with his own personal physio.
Young forward Doak underwent surgery on a knee problem back in December and is not expected to return until after the season comes to an end.
Possible return dates: After the season finishes.
