Liverpool’s quest to end Jurgen Klopp’s Anfield reign with Premier League and Europa League glory is set to be boosted by the returns of key personnel in the coming weeks.
The Reds, who sit behind Arsenal at the top of the Premier League only on goal difference after Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Manchester United at Old Trafford, have been without a string of first-team stars for most of the season as Klopp has had to contend with one of the worst injury crises of his nine-year stay at Anfield.
Currently, Liverpool are without Alisson Becker, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Thiago Alcantara, Diogo Jota, Stefan Bajcetic, Joel Matip and Ben Doak. But at times this season, though, the Reds have been unable to call on the likes of Mohamed Salah, Dominik Szoboszlai, Andy Robertson, Ibrahima Konate and more.
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For that reason, the idea of Klopp having a close-to-full squad as the run-in for the Premier League title begins will produce the widest of smiles from the German, who is looking to end his illustrious Anfield career in dream fashion next month.
Here, the ECHO takes a look at the return dates of Liverpool’s injured contingent and their possible return dates.
Diogo Jota
Liverpool have been without Diogo Jota since he was stretchered off in Liverpool’s 4-1 win over Brentford on February 17.
The Portugal international has missed nearly two months of action for the Reds, but last week it was confirmed that he would continue his rehabilitation by returning to parts of team training this week.
Speaking after the 2-1 win over Sheffield United on Thursday, Jurgen Klopp said: “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.”
Expected return date: Atalanta (a), April 18
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Trent Alexander-Arnold has also missed nearly two months of action for Liverpool since suffering a recurrence of a knee injury against Burnley on February 10.
Like Jota, Alexander-Arnold is set for a return to parts of team training this week and could make a return against Atalanta in next week’s Europa League quarter-final clash in Italy.
Speaking after last week’s win over Sheffield United last week, Klopp said: “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.”
Expected return date: Atalanta (a), April 18
Alisson Becker
Alisson Becker has been sidelined since February after suffering a hamstring injury in the days before the Reds’ clash at Brentford.
Providing an update last week, Klopp admitted that he expected the Brazilian to return to team training this week after a period of individual rehabilitation with the club’s goalkeeper coaches.
“Ali is with the GK coaches, but [he] looks good as well,” said Klopp. “I think in his mind as well, next week parts of team training.”
Expected return date: Atalanta (a), April 18
Thiago Alcantara
Thiago Alcantara has played just five minutes of football for Liverpool this season due to injury.
He suffered a hamstring injury after his brief cameo against Arsenal on February 4. It remains to be seen when Thiago will make a return to the matchday squad.
Potential return date: Unknown
Stefan Bajcetic
Stefan Bajcetic is nearing a return to the Liverpool squad after a tough season on the sidelines through injury.
Bajcetic has made just two appearances this season for the Reds, with the last coming back in September. Klopp confirmed that the midfielder is set to make a return to first team training next week.
“Stefan [Bajcetic] trains now fully with the U21s this week,” Klopp said. “That means we will take him in training next week to us and then we will see. He is another one coming [back] and that’s super-important.”
Potential return date: Mid-April
Joel Matip
Joel Matip has been recovering from an ACL injury he sustained in early December, which required the defender to undergo surgery.
Matip has been stepping up his recovery in recent weeks. Klopp provided an update earlier this week, where he admitted it’s unlikely the defender will feature again this season.
“He [Matip] is running,” Klopp said on April 3. “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: Unknown
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 has yet to make a return to training, and no timeframe has been given for when the Reds expect Doak to be available once again. It remains to be seen if Doak will feature again for Liverpool again this season.
Potential return date: Unknown
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
