Liverpool FC injury latest: Nunez, Thiago, Konate, Diaz and more – Liverpool FC
A total of 23 players have been injured this season and six are currently in the treatment room, but what’s the latest on their return?
Jurgen Klopp has brought back Diogo Jota, Roberto Firmino and Arthur from injury in recent weeks but has seen four other players on the touchline at the same time.
It’s a cycle Liverpool have struggled to break this season. Only six members of the senior team have not missed a game due to a fitness problem.
With five games over 18 days on the horizon, this is what Liverpool’s injury list looks like.
Darwin Nunez—Shoulder
From since: Crystal Palace (A)
Hand back: Wolves (H) or ManUnited (H)
Darwin Nunez picked up a shoulder injury in Newcastle and while he was playing against Real Madrid thanks to an injection, another blow ruled him out at the Palace.
With no “structural damage,” there’s hope the pain will subside and Nunez can return quickly, but as he “couldn’t move his arm at all,” there’s no guarantee.
What Klopp said (after Palace): “It was ok with an injection against Madrid because there is no structural damage – it’s very painful.
“We’ll have to see how long that lasts but that was the reason for him [not playing].”
Ibrahima Konate – Hamstring
From since: 29 January (vs Brighton)
Hand back: early March
The Frenchman was given an initial three to four week limit for his hamstring injury and has almost surpassed the latter but is thankfully back in training now.
By comparison, Virgil van Dijk, who was also out earlier this year with a hamstring injury, missed six weeks of action but Konate is nearing his return – which will be very welcome.
What Klopp said (in front of the Palace): “Ibou is close but had two sessions with us after a long injury.”
Thiago – Hip
From since: 7 February (vs Wolves)
Hand back: middle of March
Earlier this month, Klopp admitted Thiago would be “out for a while” with a hip problem, with an initial timeframe of four weeks being widely speculated.
The echo reported not long after that some staffers are “hoping” the Spaniard won’t be sidelined for as long as those initial reports.
The No. 6 could be back in action before the international break.
Luis Diaz – Knee
From since: 9 October (vs Arsenal)
Hand back: mid-late March
Luis Diaz continues to make positive strides forward on his comeback and trains regularly on the outdoor courts at Kirkby, but he is yet to return to full training.
Hopes that he will at least feature for the away game against Real Madrid on March 15 have been in sight for a long time and that schedule appears to be within reach, but he will not be back in the XI until after the international break.
What Klopp said (before Newcastle): “Luis not yet [ready].”
Joe Gomez – Hamstring
From since: Real Madrid (H)
Hand back: Probably after the international break
Joe Gomez, the youngest player to succumb to a hamstring injury, was withdrawn during the Real Madrid defeat and is on the touchline for the first time this season.
He has been called up in 35 of the 36 matchday squads this season but has now been on the sidelines for at least a couple of weeks, with a return most likely expected after the international break in March.
What Klopp said (in front of the Palace): “Both are [Gomez and Nunez] injured.”
Calvin Ramsay – Knee
From since: end of January
Hand back: Next season
It’s been a tumultuous debut season for Calvin Ramsay, with a back injury sidelined him for four and a half months and now with a serious knee problem.
The young right-back underwent surgery in mid-February and the manager has all but ruled out a return this season, with the focus rightly being on being ready for 2023/24.
What Klopp said (before Newcastle): “Now he has this injury and the season is over.
“Even if he could come back a little earlier, it doesn’t make sense. Because now it really is [time] to build the boy up physically and then make a fresh start when we leave.”