Thiago Alcantara and Divock Origi won’t be fit to return for Liverpool until after the January/February international break, Pep Lijnders has confirmed.
The Spaniard hasn’t played for the Reds since last month’s 3-1 victory over Newcastle United after testing positive for Covid-19 before picking up an injury in training following his return.
Meanwhile, the Belgian has been sidelined since scoring in Liverpool’s 2-1 victory over AC Milan at the start of December.
And speaking ahead of the Reds’ League Cup semi-final second leg clash with Arsenal, assistant manager Lijnders confirmed the duo won’t return until next month at the earliest.
“Thiago hopefully will be in full team training after the international break to prepare for the Cardiff City game,” he told reporters.
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“Divock will only be after Cardiff.”
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has also been ruled out of facing Arsenal after limping off against Brentford on Sunday with an ankle injury.
However, Lijnders revealed the midfielder is hopeful of being fit to face Crystal Palace at the weekend before Liverpool enjoy a two-week break ahead of their FA Cup clash with Cardiff City next month.
“I spoke yesterday with him (Oxlade-Chamberlain) and he feels okay,” he said. “It’s not that bad.
“He’s really hoping that he will make the weekend but tomorrow will be way too soon.
“We assess that day by day.”
