Liverpool continue their hectic October schedule with a trip to face Premier League strugglers Nottingham Forest on Saturday as they aim to continue their mini revival.
However, recent injuries to further players of late has boosted the numbers in Liverpool ’s treatment room ahead of this weekend’s clash in the Midlands, leaving Jurgen Klopp short on options and hoping that more first team stars aren’t added to the list ahead of a must-win game for the Reds.
Here is all you need to know about the current state of play at Anfield and the expected return dates for those on the sidelines.
Darwin Nunez
Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez is the latest addition to the club's treatment room after picking up a fresh injury during Wednesday's 1-0 victory over West Ham.
The Uruguayan scored the only goal of the game as he continues his impressive run of form, but has since required treatment for a thigh injury, although it is hoped that he will recover in time for Saturday.
Speaking on Friday, Klopp said: "We have to check. He had treatment yesterday; we'll see what I am told later."
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Diogo Jota
Liverpool forward Diogo Jota saw his strong performance in Sunday’s victory over Manchester City rewarded with another long-term injury that is set to keep him out until next year as he also prepares to miss the World Cup with Portugal.
Jota suffered a calf injury in the dying moments of that 1-0 victory over the reigning champions and will not feature again for the Reds until 2023, with a long recovery process expected for the Portuguese over the next few months.
Speaking on Tuesday, Klopp said: "It's really not good news about Diogo. Yes, he will miss the World Cup. [It's a] pretty serious injury in the calf muscle and now the recovery process starts. That's it pretty much."
Ibrahima Konate
Reds defender Ibrahima Konate is another recent addition to the injury list after picking up a fresh problem following last week’s 7-1 victory over Rangers in the Champions League - his first start of the season.
The Frenchman had only just returned to action for the first time this campaign during the 3-2 defeat to Arsenal on October 9, following a long-term thigh injury, but will now miss out on Liverpool’s next two fixtures at least, as he works his way back to full fitness once more.
Speaking on Tuesday, Klopp said: "Ibou not in team training yet but we knew it before it will not be that long – he will be, in the end, out maybe for 10 days until he can start training again. So, tomorrow it's a week and then maybe Saturday, whenever, he is back in team training. He was not long out, so if he can train fully, he's available.”
Joel Matip
Joel Matip has been ruled out of Liverpool’s last three games after picking up a fresh problem during that defeat to the Gunners - missing at least a fortnight of action as a result.
The centre back has picked up a calf strain and required a scan to determine the extent of the injury and is expected to also miss Saturday’s clash with Nottingham Forest. It comes as another huge blow to the Reds, meaning Joe Gomez will continue to deputise in his absence.
Speaking on Tuesday, Klopp said: “Joel is still a little bit away.”
Naby Keita
Naby Keita is also back in first team training but is not quite as far along as Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, with the midfielder expected to take a little while longer to make his first appearance of the season for the Reds.
The Guinea international hasn’t featured since his substitute cameo against Man City in the Community Shield back in July, as a result of a long-term thigh injury, but there are renewed hopes that he will be available for selection at the start of next month.
Speaking on Tuesday, Klopp said: "Naby is now in parts of team training, so all slightly different.”
Luis Diaz
Reds forward Luis Diaz suffered the biggest blow for Liverpool from the trio of injuries picked up against Arsenal last weekend, with the Colombian set to be out for ‘six to eight’ weeks with a knee injury.
Diaz was forced off just before half-time against the Gunners and has been ruled out of action until after the World Cup, even if Klopp remains hopeful that he could return sooner after claiming that he is “a quick healer”.
Speaking on Tuesday, Klopp said: “Of course, Luis as well not even close to team training.”
Arthur Melo
Deadline day signing Arthur Melo remains ruled out of action for Liverpool until 2023 after sustaining a fresh thigh injury during first team training earlier this month.
The Brazilian will be out for around three to four months following the news that he will require surgery, which may have already signalled the end of his time at Liverpool should the Reds decide to end his loan spell early in the January transfer window.
In a social media post on October 14, Arthur said: “Last week was not the best for me. Sadly, as you know, an unfortunate injury to my left thigh will keep me out of action for a while.”
