Liverpool have six injury concerns ahead of this weekend’s clash with Tottenham as they prepare for their return to Premier League action on Sunday.
The Reds were able to welcome back Jordan Henderson and Thiago to the matchday squad for last week’s defeat to Leeds, but one of their replacements for Tuesday’s Champions League victory over Napoli picked up an injury of their own and now leaves Jurgen Klopp scratching his head once more.
Here is all you need to know about the current state of play at Anfield and the expected return dates for those out on the sidelines.
James Milner
Veteran midfielder Milner has played a much bigger role for Liverpool this season than anyone would have anticipated, with a long list of injuries in the squad providing him with plenty of opportunities to impress.
But in his 18th appearance of the season against Napoli on Tuesday, the 36-year-old was forced off just three minutes into the second half with a head injury. However, should he be suffering from concussion, then he becomes a major doubt for Sunday’s trip to Spurs.
Speaking on Tuesday, Klopp said: “He seemed to be fine now, but we have to probably do further checks.”
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Joel Matip
Matip remains out of action with a calf strain and has missed Liverpool’s last seven games in all competitions since sustaining the fresh problem during the 3-2 defeat to Arsenal on October 9.
The centre back was initially expected to return this month, however, although he is quickly running out of time to feature for the Reds again before the World Cup. Matip has returned to training but is also continuing his rehab, meaning he still remains a doubt for this weekend.
Speaking on October 28, Klopp said: "Joel will not be back [against Leeds] – he's here training but (in) rehab."
Naby Keita
Keita has also made his return to first team training after suffering with a long-term hamstring injury and it has been suggested that it will not be much longer before he is fit enough to be considered for selection for Liverpool.
The Guinea international hasn’t featured for the Reds since the Community Shield victory over Manchester City in July but a return to full first team training has now taken place and there is a strong chance he will be involved before the World Cup.
Speaking on October 28, Klopp said: "It's still (too) soon for Naby Keita".
Luis Diaz
Reds forward Diaz remains sidelined with a knee injury after being ruled out for ‘six to eight’ weeks following the defeat to Arsenal on October 9.
Diaz was forced off just before half-time against the Gunners and will not feature again 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 October 11, Klopp said: “Lucho, what is it, six to eight [weeks] or whatever? We will see how long. Lucho looks like a quick healer but anyway we obviously have to be careful with that."
Diogo Jota
Jota has been sidelined with another long-term injury which rules him out of the World Cup with Portugal and until 2023 for Liverpool.
Jota suffered a calf injury in the dying moments of the 1-0 victory over Man City on October 16 and will not feature again until next year after being stretchered off, with Klopp labelling it as a “serious” injury.
Speaking on October 19, Klopp said: "He will miss the World Cup. [It's a] pretty serious injury in the calf muscle and now the recovery process starts. We can say that because he will not be in for a long time; we talk about months.”
Arthur Melo
Arthur is ruled out of action for Liverpool until 2023 after sustaining a fresh thigh injury during first team training in October.
The Brazilian will be out for around three to four months following the news that he will require surgery. However, Klopp is unsure as to when exactly the midfielder will be fit, but has suggested Liverpool won't be cutting short his loan spell from Juventus in January.
Speaking on October 28, Klopp said: "It's a long-term injury. When he's back, yeah, we will think about it again but in the moment it's too far away. I have no idea how long it will be but it will be long. It's a serious injury."
