Liverpool fans will be hoping for a lot of encouraging health updates on a number of important players ahead of the match against Burnley on Saturday.
Thiago Alcantara’s return to the Liverpool team on Sunday was a pleasant one, and the fact that he made his first appearance since April was possibly the only bright spot in the 3-1 loss to title rivals Arsenal.
However, the defeat was exacerbated by Ibrahima Konate’s red card and, more concerningly, Dominik Szoboszlai’s injury, which was discovered prior to kickoff.
The good news is that Jurgen Klopp’s midfield options appear to be boosted for Saturday’s visit of relegation-threatened Burnley to Anfield, as Wataru Endo’s time in the Asian Cup has over after Japan was knocked out in the quarter-finals by Iran.
Mohamed Salah also appears to be recovering from the injury he sustained when playing for Egypt in the Africa Cup of Nations in January.
However, as our round-up indicates, Klopp might still be without seven players for the game against the Clarets.
Mohamed Salah also appears to be recovering from the injury he sustained when playing for Egypt in the Africa Cup of Nations in January.
Dominik Szogoszlai
Rumours circulated prior to Liverpool’s top-of-the-table clash with Arsenal that the Hungary captain had not flown to the city with the group. And, before kickoff, Klopp acknowledged that Szoboszlai’s injury from the New Year’s Day win over Newcastle United had flared up again.
“Dom felt in the same area, or pretty much a similar area, to where he was injured before,” stated the manager of the Cincinnati Reds. “He was alright during the game (the victory over Chelsea), but afterward (he felt it) slightly, so we looked into it, and there was no way for him to be involved in this game.
“We are unable to take any risks. We have to wait for additional evaluation, but it is evident that he cannot participate today. That’s pretty much it.
According to new rumors from Hungary, the midfielder could be out of play for up to a month. Ian Doyle of the ECHO shared the following on social media: “A little confused about Dominik Szoboszlai’s injury absence. The Hungarian outlet that indicated at much to a month out yesterday night has subsequently backtracked, saying the time out has yet to be established. Liverpool has yet to set a timeline.”
Klopp is expected to deliver an update on Szoboszlai’s fitness at a press conference later this week.
Expected return date: unknown
Ibrahima Konate
Not an injury, but a suspension. Konate’s dismissal for two yellow cards against Arsenal means he will miss the match against Burnley.
Klopp was unhappy with referee Anthony Taylor’s decision. He told Sky Sports: “A lot of things went against us today. This referee awarded me a red card against Manchester City for a wrestling incident involving Bernardo Silva and Mo Salah. Today, the identical incident occurred with (Diogo) Jota, but he did not receive a red card. It’s amazing, then, to have (Kai) Havertz on Konate for the first yellow card. The referee then issues a yellow card to Konate after Havertz goes down. Gabriel did the same to Darwin Nunez with no yellow card.”
Brentford’s expected comeback date is February 17.
Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah has not played since suffering a hamstring injury in Egypt’s 2-2 tie with Ghana in the second game of the Africa Cup of Nations, and he recently returned to Merseyside to continue his recuperation.
Ramy Abbas Issa, the player’s advisor, recently stated that Salah’s injury was worse than initially thought, and that he will be out of action for 21 to 28 days, with a return scheduled for Premier League games against Burnley or, more likely, Brentford later this month.
Salah posted photos of himself in the Liverpool training facility’s gym on Tuesday.
Expected return date: mid-February.
Kosta Tsimikas
Kostas Tsimikas is close to returning to Liverpool after a six-week absence. The left-back was involved in a terrible collision with Bukayo Saka during December’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal at Anfield, necessitating surgery for a shattered collarbone.
Klopp recently provided an update on Tsimikas, stating that “Kosti [Kostas Tsimikas] is close.” Kosti is genuinely fit; he just needs to wait for the green light because bone healing takes a long time, but the plate is working for the time being.”
The fact that the Greece international was spotted in full training ahead of Sunday’s game at the Emirates suggests he could be in contention to face Burnley this weekend.
Expected return date: Burnley (H), February 10.
Stephan Bajcetic
Stefan Bajcetic has had a rough start to his career with the Reds due to a series of injuries. He had a terrific first season last year, but it ended prematurely due to a stress response in his adductor in March.
Bajcetic returned to the Carabao Cup and Europa League in September, but his appearance against LASK Linz was his last due to a calf injury. It’s unknown when he’ll return to full training.
Expected return date: unknown
Joel Matip
Joel Matip is recovering from surgery for an anterior cruciate ligament injury. The 32-year-old, who is in the final months of his contract with Liverpool, is expected to miss the remainder of the season. An off-the-ball incident left the centre-back injured on the Anfield turf in the 70th minute of Liverpool’s thrilling Premier League 4-3 triumph over Fulham in December.
Expected return date: unknown
Ben Doak
Ben Doak will be out for the foreseeable future after suffering a catastrophic knee injury while playing for the under-21s. Assistant manager Pep Lijnders recently commented of Doak’s condition: “That’s not good. He tore his lateral meniscus, requiring surgery.
“That one will take a long time. He is young, fit, and positive, so he will undoubtedly recover stronger, and we need him to return with the same fire he had with the ball. “We’ll wait for him.”
Expected return date: unknown
