Liverpool injury problems continue to intensify
Kostas Tsimikas and Luis Diaz both were both withdrawn from Saturday's 1-1 draw with Arsenal at Anfield through injury, putting further fitness worries on Jurgen Klopp's squad.
Tsimikas' setback means Liverpool's two experienced left-backs are now sidelined, with Andy Robertson yet to recover from a shoulder problem. Diaz appears to have aggravated a previous knee issue, although it's unclear if the Colombian will face a timeout as a result.
Here's a summary of the players that are currently unavailable for the Reds. Nine players are currently receiving treatment.
Kostas Tsimikas
The Greek defender suffered a serious collision after Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka was fouled, with Tsimikas landing awkwardly on his shoulder.
After being knocked down by Saka, he bumped into Klopp on the touchline and immediately appeared to be in severe pain.
After Saturday's 1-1 draw, the Liverpool boss confirmed it was not good news for Tsimikas. Klopp said: "He (Tsimikas) at least broke his collarbone. It's really bad for us."
When to return: Unknown
Luis Diaz
Diaz also suffered an injury against Arsenal and hopes the knee problem won't become a long-term issue.
The Colombian missed several months last season after sustaining a knee injury in the 3-2 loss to the Gunners in October 2022.
The former Porto winger withdrew from the game as a precaution on Saturday after feeling something in the same part of his body.
After the game, Klopp briefed reporters on Diaz’s latest situation, saying: "I hope not [serious]. He has pain, it was knee on knee and in that moment we wanted to change twice and then Lucho was down.
"And actually we first wanted to wait if maybe Lucho has to come off but then we decided [to] change all three because now we don't have to wait how Lucho is and that's what we did then.
"Lucho told me 'little pain', physios were not too concerned, but you never know and we play in three days and you never know how quick the turnaround is, so we have to see. I don't know."
When to return: Unknown
Alexis Mac Allister
Mac Allister is set to return to action having been sidelined since suffering a knee injury in the 1-0 win over Sheffield United earlier this month.
The Argentine's condition was initially thought to be mild but was more serious than initially feared, resulting in him missing several games.
But Klopp gave an upbeat assessment of Mike Allister's current situation on Friday, saying: "Macca and Diogo getting closer and closer but not ready for tomorrow. That's it."
When to return: January
Joel Matip
Liverpool defender Joel Matip is recovering from surgery after sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury. The 32-year-old's contract at Anfield expired in recent months and he is likely to miss the rest of the season.
He was injured at Anfield in the 70th minute following an off-the-ball incident during the dramatic 4-3 win over Fulham.
"It was a torn cruciate ligament and unfortunately I expected it from the first second. It all looked like that. Very unfortunate," Klopp said.
When to return: Next season (2024-2025)
Andy Robertson
Liverpool defender Andy Robertson is expected to return to action in January after missing Scotland duty with a shoulder injury.
The Tartans captain has had surgery on a dislocated shoulder and has been sidelined ever since - missing out on the Reds' promotion to the Premier League challengers and Scotland's chances of qualifying for Euro 2024.
Earlier this week, Klopp said of the Scot's illness: "I sat yesterday pretty long with him and actually he's doing well. The problem is a little bit that the shoulder is not there. The rest of the body is fine but we need to be patient a little bit. We need to be patient a little bit longer but it's fine.
"So he can do all the physical work already, which annoys him quite a lot because he's not allowed for ball training, a little bit of passing maybe and stuff like this – but not properly. But physically when he's ready to go, allowed to go shoulder-wise, then I think it's a short time until he will be back. We all hope it will be in January but I don't know."
When to return: January
Diogo Jota
The versatile attacker has been a significant absence for the Reds since suffering an injury during the 1-1 draw with Manchester City on November 25.
What's clear is that Jota will soon be part of Liverpool's attack again after Klopp confirmed the former Wolves star - like Mac Allister - is "getting closer".
The Portugal international could return to action against Newcastle United on New Year's Day.
When to return: January
Ben Doak
Ben Doak was sent off in the U21s' recent game against Chelsea with a knee injury.
It was a huge blow when Doc started to make an impact in the first team and played in the Carabao Cup and Europa League.
The Scotsman is not expected to be forced to return in the foreseeable future. Liverpool assistant coach Pep Lijnders said of his condition: "That’s not a good one. He teared his lateral meniscus, which needs surgery.
“That one will take [a] longer time. He is young, he is a fit guy, he is a positive guy so for sure he will come back stronger, and we need him to come back with the same fire he has with the ball, how he was. He can take time and we will wait for him.”
When to return: Unknown
Thiago Alcantara
Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara has not featured for the Reds since their win over West Ham United in April.
A hip problem proved problematic for the midfielder, who underwent surgery during the game to correct the issue.
Thiago's injury concern was last updated in November and Klopp hopes to see the No.6 back in action in January.
"It's an ongoing thing," the Reds boss explained.
"And we cannot put any kind of pressure there as well, but we expect him to be back probably start of the New Year. It’s now already November, that would mean another four weeks, I would say that’s probably a realistic thing to try.
"We can’t wait, to be honest, to have him back. The player is just exceptional. I understand that you ask, but we can’t now have a week-by-week update, because that will not change a lot in this moment."
When to return: January
Stefan Bajcetic
Stefan Basetic has endured a frustrating period for Liverpool after suffering a number of injuries.
He enjoyed a strong first season during a difficult period for the club, but had to end his season in March due to a stress reaction in the adductor area. Bajcetic returned in September and featured in the Carabao Cup and Europa League, but made his final appearance against LASK due to a calf injury.
A recovery date for the midfielder has yet to be confirmed.
"With Stefan, it’s again one of these things,” Klopp said in November. "Let me say it like this, Stefan’s quality, potential, talent or whatever, everybody could see and it’s incredible. What a player.
"But he was not ready yet, that’s how it is. They’re still growing, these boys. They’re all different. We have other players with a different [skeletal growth], a different body, and OK that’s fine.
"With others it’s a bit too early, so we just have to put the brake on again and just wait until that’s all fine. Then Liverpool has a wonderful player, a wonderful player, to use.
"But there’s absolutely no time that we can put on that, and we will not, we just have to wait. He’s here, he’s training, he’s doing his stuff. We know how good he is, now we have to make sure that we help him to get a body to show that – and not only once, but then three times a week. We will get there, very good news for the club. In the moment, we cannot use him and that’s all."
When to return: Unknown
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