When Liverpool plays Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday, a handful of players may be sidelined.
Up to seven players might be sidelined for Liverpool on Saturday when they play Crystal Palace.
The Reds are coming to Selhurst Park fresh off a 2-0 triumph at Bramall Lane over Sheffield United. The victory on Wednesday night was marred, though, by the news that Joel Matip, the defender, had damaged his anterior cruciate ligament, and that Klopp is unlikely to see the player again this season.
Alongside Alisson Becker, Diogo Jota, Stefan Bajcetic, Thiago Alcantara, and Andy Robertson on the sidelines is the Cameroonian. Alexis Mac Allister, who was forced to retire from the Bramall Lane game on Wednesday night due to an injury, could not be able to make the trip to the capital.
And with a further six games in December, here’s when the Reds’ absentees could potentially return.
Joel Matip
Three days after Matip was substituted out of Sunday’s match against Fulham in the second half, Klopp announced at Bramall Lane that the player had suffered an ACL tear and would require a lengthy recovery period.
Speaking to reporters, Klopp stated, “Unfortunately, I anticipated that it would be an ACL rupture from the outset. That was how everything appeared. Very regrettable.”
Ibrahima Konate was limited to bench appearances in recent weeks prior to Ibrahima Konate’s injury, although Matip, 32, has been excellent for the Reds this season.
Unfortunately for the defender, his contract expires at the end of June, and it is unknown if he will play for the team again, as ACL injuries usually need nine months on the sidelines.
Potential return date: Unknown
Alexis Mac Allister
Following an early hit to the knee, Mac Allister was replaced after about 60 minutes of Wednesday’s victory at Bramall Lane.
But the Argentine took to Instagram following the game to reassure fans that he was okay and that the wounds he received simply needed sutures.
“Everything’s fine,” he stated. I’ll be fine soon, but I need some sutures. We continue. Liverpool, hurry up.”
Mac Allister, however, might be left out of the starting lineup as a precaution because Liverpool has to make a rapid turnaround in order to make their trip to Selhurst Park.
Potential return date: December 14
Diogo Jota
Jota will be hoping to demonstrate his fitness in front of the Manchester United match the following week.
Since being replaced against Manchester City on November 25 due to a muscle ailment, the forward has not appeared in any games.
But before the trip to Selhurst Park on Saturday, he was able to return to the grass earlier this week and participate in team training.
Potential return date: December 14-17
Alisson Becker
On Thursday, Alisson hinted at a return to team training as he posted a picture of his goalkeeper gloves on his Instagram story.
The Brazilian shot-stopper has not played for the Reds since last month’s draw at Manchester City, in which he appeared to pull his thigh late on when attempting a clearance.
In his absence, Caoimhin Kelleher has started the Reds’ last three games in all competitions and will be expected to do so in their next against Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Alisson, though, will be hoping he can return in time for next weekend’s clash against Manchester United at Anfield.
Potential return date: December 17
Andy Robertson, Stefan Bajcetic, Thiago Alcantara:
That means that Robertson, Bajcetic, and Thiago—Liverpool’s three long-term absentees—will probably not play again until January 2024.
Due to a shoulder dislocation sustained while playing for Scotland on international duty and the subsequent need for surgery, Robertson has not appeared in a Reds game since October.
While Thiago hasn’t participated in a competitive match since April, Klopp acknowledged last month that the Spaniard has encountered a setback on his road to recovery.
“Nothing [has] changed,” stated the Liverpool manager in a statement on December 1. He needs time, like we stated, and we will give it to him. It’s that simple. He is still a great guy who tries hard to come back, and [we] see him every day.”
Finally, Klopp has declined to provide a timeframe for when we might see 19-year-old Bajcetic return to action due to his developing problems.
Return date: January 2024
