The very latest on the Liverpool injury and availability situation before the big Champions League match against Real Madrid at Anfield
Having moved eight points clear at the top of the Premier League, Liverpool turn their attention to Champions League business tonight. And what a match it should be as Real Madrid visit Anfield.
While Madrid trail Barcelona in La Liga and have already lost two games in the new-look Champions League group stage, they have won seven of their last eight meetings against Liverpool.
However, they will be facing a Reds side with confidence high after they opened up a huge gap on Manchester City in the Premier League title race with a hard-fought 3-2 win at Southampton on Sunday that made it 16 victories in 18 games in all competitions under impressive new head Arne Slot.
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Throw in the fact that Real Madrid face a major injury crisis and Liverpool may well just fancy their chances this evening at what will sure to be a red-hot Anfield.
And in further good news for Slot, the injury problems he has quietly had to content with and, which to his credit, he has not made the most of in press conferences, appear to be easing…
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Injury: Hamstring
The rousing 2-0 home victory over Aston Villa before the international break did come at a cost with Trent Alexander-Arnold coming off in the 25th minute with an injury that meant he pulled out of the England squad for their UEFA Nations League games with Greece and the Republic of Ireland.
Scans revealed the right-back suffered a low grade hamstring injury that, while not serious, meant he missed the success at Southampton.
However, Alexander-Arnold took part in the full open training session at the AXA Training Centre ahead of the clash with Real Madrid, who are being heavily linked with his signature, and will be part of Slot’s squad tonight.
The Dutchman said: “Trent is in the same squad, but he will not be available to start, he could maybe make a few minutes, but in an ideal world he doesn’t, but if it’s really necessary he can make a few minutes.”
Possible return date: Real Madrid (H), Champions League, November 27
Alisson Becker
Injury: Hamstring
Liverpool’s No.1 Alisson Becker has been missing since the 1-0 victory at Crystal Palace on October 5. At the time it was suggested that the new hamstring injury he sustained would rule him out for a minimum of six weeks, which would see him return after the international break.
However, there is still no sign yet of the Brazil international returning to training alongside the other first-team goalkeepers including Caoimhin Kelleher, who has once again proved to be such an able deputy.
Possible return date: Unknown
Federico Chiesa
Injury: Unknown
Federico Chiesa has now missed Liverpool’s last 10 matches with an unspecified issue. But there appears to be some light at the end of the tunnel.
After doing some individual work at yesterday’s opening training session, the Italy international forward, along with Alexander-Arnold, joined up with the main group and was all smiles.
However, Slot confirmed Chiesa will not be in the squad for Real Madrid as he not yet in full training.
Possible return date: Newcastle United (A), Premier League, December 4
Kostas Tsimikas
Injury: Ankle
Kostas Tsimikas was a surprise absentee from the squad that travelled to Southampton at the weekend. But it has since transpired that the Greece international left-back is facing a short spell on the sidelines after injuring his ankle in training.
Possible return date: Unknown
Diogo Jota
Injury: Upper body
Diogo Jota was injured early on against Chelsea on October 20 after he was hauled down near the halfway line by Tosin Adaraiboyo.
The Portugal international striker hasn’t played since and he was again absent for yesterday’s open training session.
Slot had previously said: “We expect him back after the international break. Now, after the international break is six or seven months (of the season) to go!
“He will be back one or two weeks after the international break.”
Possible return date: Newcastle United (A), Premier League, December 4
