Liverpool return from the international break without several of their key players, but how long do we have to wait for the return of each absentee?
The Reds have made an impressive start to their Premier League campaign and will continue with one of the biggest games of the round against Everton in next weekend’s early kick-off.
Jurgen Klopp has been lucky not to lose too many players to injury this season, but some recent form problems have been exacerbated by an unwelcome series of red cards and subsequent suspensions.
Here’s a look at what’s happening now and when we might get them back.
Andy Robertson
Missing: articulated shoulder
From: Brighton (A)
Expected income: unknown
Fans were given a dreaded injury update during the international break when Andy Robertson left the field against Spain with a bruised hand. Liverpool hope the damage is minimal. In the best case, the layoff is two to four weeks, in the worst case, about three to four months.
News on the left back scan is expected soon and the club will have to sweat about the extent of the problem.
Cody Gakpo
Missing: knee
Away: Tottenham (A)
Expected return: Everton (H) on October 21
Cody Gakpo was injured after scoring Liverpool’s only goal in Tottenham’s 2-1 defeat and left the stadium on his knees after the match.
The problem does not appear to be serious and the manager hopes to have him in the squad when the team returns to Kirkby. What Klopp said (October 6): “Cody has a good chance to come back [after the break]. I’m already out of trouble, I’m walking here normally.”
Diogo Jota
Absence: suspension
Away: Tottenham (A)
Expected return: Everton (H), October 21
In one of several controversial incidents in north London, Diogo Jota was sent off after two quick bookings kept him out of the trip to Brighton.
As it was not a straight red card, the striker only received a one-match ban and will be included in the Merseyside derby squad.
Curtis Jones
Absence: suspension
Away: Tottenham (A)
Expected return: Bournemouth (A), November 1 (may appear in Europe)
Curtis Jones was not as lucky as Jota, as a straight red card sidelined him for three home games.
He played one of those games in the 2-2 draw away to Brighton and will miss the Merseyside Derby and next weekend’s visit to Nottingham Forest. The Europa League ban does not apply, so Jones will be able to maintain his sharpness for the home game against Toulouse on the 26th. in October Stefan Bajcetic
Absence: Adductor
Away: Leicester (H)
Expected income: unknown
Stefan Bajcetic has played just 72 minutes of football for the Reds since picking up an injury in March and his recovery has been slow.
The Spaniard played an hour at right-back against LASK and came on as a late substitute against Leicester in the League Cup, but his next role is unclear.
What Klopp said (October 6): “I don’t know, I’m not pushing [when they can return]. If they come back after the international break, we’ll see. I hope it will be great.”
Kelleher of Caoim
Absence: Knocks
Away: Tottenham (A)
Expected income: unknown
Caoimhin Kelleher was untimely injured when the Reds were due to start against Union SG at Anfield and had to play Ireland at half-time.
The goalkeeper required stitches after knee surgery and his return timetable is uncertain.
He will be looking to recover in time to face Toulouse at Anfield on October 26, having been included in the Europa League and League Cup first-team squads.
Thiago
Outside: hip
Away: West Ham (A) last April
Expected Return: Unknown
In short, who knows?
Thiago’s recovery from a hip problem in April has been long and frustrating for the 32-year-old, who is yet to make the matchday squad this season. The Spaniard traveled with the team on their pre-season tour of Germany, but a series of setbacks has kept him out of action since then. What Klopp said (October 6): “Especially for him (Thiago) it’s annoying. Now two setbacks in rehabilitation.”
Conor Bradley
Absence: back problems
Outside: Pre-season
Expected return: November
Conor Bradley has high hopes for the 2023/24 season. 2018 campaign like Trent Alexander-Arnold, who enjoyed a successful loan spell at Bolton last season.
The right-back has featured twice for the Reds in pre-season, but back problems have kept him out of contention since his return. What Klopp said (October 6): “Conor is back in the running, but at that age and with this type of injury, they tend to get three weeks more than enough.”
