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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Tom Malley

Henderson, Thiago, Matip - Liverpool injury round-up and expected return dates

Liverpool make a quick return to Premier League action on Saturday when they welcome Leeds United to Anfield as they look to avoid dropping more points.

However, having missed six players through injury for Wednesday’s Champions League tie against Ajax, the Reds are likely to suffer the same bad luck once more as those in the treatment room continue to work their way back to full fitness, with some a lot closer than others.

Here is all you need to know about the current state of play at Anfield and the expected return dates for those currently out on the sidelines.

Jordan Henderson

Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson returned to the treatment table following Wednesday's clash with Ajax after hobbling off the field with a knee injury, although he is expected to be fine to face Leeds.

The veteran midfielder returned to the starting lineup in midweek but was substituted after 71 minutes and, after the game, Klopp said: "I was worried when I saw the situation because it was in front of me. I think he got knee on knee; so painful. A bruise, probably. Really painful, but as far as I know now, nothing else, and that should be fine."

However, the German has since provided an encouraging update on the midfielder, who should at least earn a place on the bench this weekend. Speaking on Friday, Klopp said: "I expect Jordan Henderson to be okay."

Jordan Henderson was withdrawn against Ajax on Wednesday with a knee injury (Getty Images)

Who should start in midfield for Liverpool against Leeds? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

Thiago Alcantara

Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara continues his recovery from an ear infection which has ruled him out of the club’s last two fixtures.

The Spaniard was ruled out of action just hours before last weekend’s defeat to Nottingham Forest, while he didn’t travel with the squad to face Ajax in midweek. On Tuesday, when asked whether Thiago will miss the visit of Leeds, Klopp said: "I hope not but who knows?".

However, the midfielder has now recovered well enough to be involved. Speaking on Friday, Klopp said: "Thiago will return too".

Joel Matip

Joel Matip is set to be missing for the next few weeks (Getty Images)

Joel Matip remains out of action with a calf strain and has missed Liverpool’s last five games in all competitions as a result, having sustained the fresh problem during the defeat to Arsenal on October 9.

The centre back has been ruled out until November after a scan determined the extent of the injury, meaning he is also set to miss Saturday’s clash with Leeds. However, he may be fit enough to return for next weekend’s clash with Tottenham.

Speaking on October 21, Klopp said: "Good, everything is going well, but he needs a bit of time. I think with him it will be tight until the World Cup break, hopefully the last two or three games he might be in contention, but I don't know yet. It is all going in the right direction."

Naby Keita

Naby Keita is back in Liverpool training (Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Naby Keita has made his return to first team training but is expected to take a little while longer until he is fit enough to be considered for selection for Liverpool.

The Guinea international hasn’t featured since his substitute cameo against Manchester City in the Community Shield back in July, as a result of a long-term hamstring injury, but it is hoped that he will be available for selection around the same time as Matip.

Speaking on Friday, Klopp said: "It's still (too) soon for Naby Keita".

Luis Diaz

Luis Diaz will not return until after the World Cup (Action Images via Reuters)

Reds forward Luis Diaz remains sidelined with a knee injury after being ruled out for ‘six to eight’ 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 18, Klopp said: “Of course, Luis as well not even close to team training.”

Diogo Jota

Diogo Jota will be out for a matter of "months" (PA)

Diogo 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. Klopp has labelled it as a “serious” injury and the forward will now begin his long recovery process.

Speaking on October 18, Klopp said: "He will not be in for a long time; we talk about months. I don't want to put now a number on it because I always hope in the middle of the rehab there is a very positive development and we can cut days off the rehab phase, but it will be long."

Arthur Melo

Arthur Melo is 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. 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.

Speaking on Friday, Klopp said: "A serious injury. He's here. It's a long-term injury and when he's back, we'll think about it again. But at the moment, it's too far away. No [we won't cut the loan in January]."

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