Liverpool FC injury latest: Jota, Thiago, Firmino, Van Dijk, Diaz and more – Liverpool FC
There have been more injuries to different players than Liverpool have played in league games this season. But what about the Reds’ injury situation at the moment?
A total of 24 different players have been sidelined so far this season and the Reds have yet to recover eight players from the treatment room.
They are close to making a return each, although one name was added to the list after he missed training with a hip problem, Jurgen Klopp confirmed on Friday.
Let’s take a look at the Reds’ current injury situation and when we can expect the players to return.
Diogo Jota—Calf
From since: 16 October (vs Manchester City)
Hand back: ‘In competition’ for the squad against Everton
Diogo Jota’s calf injury has kept him out of the last 18 games but he has since returned to training.
He now finds himself in contention for Monday’s Merseyside derby.
What Klopp said: “Diogo is the closest, he’s been training normally for two days, so there’s still three days of training left for him.
“I think he’s in the running for the squad [on Monday]I would say.”
Thiago – Hip
From since: 7 February (vs Wolves)
Hand back: TB
After 10 straight starts, there have always been concerns about Thiago’s ability to maintain a run with the team after a difficult relationship with injuries.
He missed training on Thursday and the manager admitted he has “some issues” the hope is they are not serious enough to be sidelined any longer.
What Klopp said: “I know the problem, but I have to ask the medical department what I can say!
“The hip flexor stuff, that’s pretty much it. He couldn’t train.”
Roberto Firmino—Calf
From since: December (during World Cup break)
Hand back: mid/late February
The Brazilian was part of Thursday’s training session as he continues to press ahead with his recovery and takes all the necessary steps to become competitive again.
Klopp suggested he is not as far ahead as Jota and it could be that his return to a matchday squad comes at Newcastle on February 18.
What Klopp said: “Bobby, next [closest] one, I don’t know. We’ll have to see how that looks now, how he handles the training intensity.”
Arthur – Thighs
From since: October 2nd
Hand back: mid/late February
The midfielder is back in training after a lengthy absence and is on a similar path to Firmino, Klopp confirmed.
What Klopp said: “Arthur, probably similar to Bobby, I’d say.”
Fabio Carvalho – Knock
From since: 20 January (vs Chelsea)
Hand back: in the middle of February
Carvalho has missed the last three games and before the trip to Brighton in the FA Cup, Klopp said he had “a little thing” that kept him from training.
He has since been spotted at a few meetings with the team but was absent again on Thursday and will in all likelihood be absent on Monday night.
Virgil van Dijk – Hamstring
From since: 2 January (vs Brentford)
Hand back: late February/early March
Van Dijk’s absence has now lasted more than five weeks and the Dutchman is involved in parts of training, although he is yet to fully integrate back into a full session with the squad.
It means his return is not ‘that close’ but there is hope he will be ready in time for Real Madrid’s February 21 visit.
What Klopp said: “Virgil, I don’t think he’s that close yet, but we’ll work on that as well.”
Ibrahima Konate – Hamstring
From since: 29 January (vs Brighton)
Hand back: End of February
Konate’s hamstring injury was given an initial three-week break, long enough to put him in question for the Real Madrid visit.
The Frenchman is yet to return to training and the trip to Crystal Palace on February 25 could be a more realistic target for his return.
Luis Diaz – Knee
From since: 9 October (vs Arsenal)
Hand back: mid-late March
Diaz has not played a game since October, recovering from his initial knee injury, only to pick up another in training in December. He has since walked on grass again and is making positive progress.
The winger is expected to be back in March and possibly for the second leg against Real Madrid on March 15.
What Diaz said: “Let’s wait. Let’s wait for recovery just to see when I can get back on the pitch.
“If it’s Bernabau, this will be it. No problem.”
Ben Doak
From since: 22nd of January
Hand back: mid/late February
The 17-year-old has not featured in the first-team since winning at Wolves and last played at academy level in the Under-21s’ 1-0 defeat by Crystal Palace on January 22.
A minor injury put him sidelined, but on February 6 he posted on Instagram that he will be “back soon”.