As much as every section of the Liverpool team has had to deal with injuries this season, the midfield has bore the brunt of the absences. Only three of the nine players for the position – Harvey Elliott, Fabinho and James Milner – have been available for every match in 2022/23.
It hasn’t just been the volume of fitness issues which have been problematic either. Take Curtis Jones, for instance. He was on the bench for the wins over Newcastle United and Manchester City yet had been ruled out for all other fixtures since the Community Shield until he made his return as a second-half substitute in Wednesday's 1-0 win at home to West Ham United.
Naby Keita has been similar, having been an unused substitute against Crystal Palace but otherwise absent in league and Europe. The Guinean is at least part of team training again, as Jurgen Klopp confirmed ahead of the match with West Ham, which suggests he should return soon.
