Anfield Index
·11 November 2024
In partnership with
Yahoo sportsAnfield Index
·11 November 2024
Liverpool are entering the international break with a host of injury concerns, with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Diogo Jota, Federico Chiesa, Alisson Becker, and Harvey Elliott all sidelined or recovering. Here’s a comprehensive update on the team’s key injuries, expected return dates, and what Arne Slot and the players themselves have shared.
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s injury against Aston Villa has raised questions about Liverpool’s defensive options post-break. The right-back lasted under 30 minutes before being forced off the pitch, clutching his hamstring. The precise nature of the injury remains unclear, though Arne Slot hinted that it’s likely to keep him out of action for England’s Nations League matches.
Photo: IMAGO
Slot remarked post-match: “It’s difficult to say how serious it is. But it’s always serious when a player goes off in the first half. It’s not a good sign, but it’s so difficult after the game to tell you what it is.”
With his England call-up in jeopardy, Alexander-Arnold’s fitness is a major concern for Slot, who said, “I would be surprised to see him playing for the England national team.”
Diogo Jota’s stomach injury, sustained during Liverpool’s clash with Chelsea, is another worry for the Reds. Initially, it was hoped he’d return soon after the international break, but it now appears that his comeback will be pushed to late November or early December.
Slot offered a hopeful timeline for Jota’s return, though he refrained from specifics: “The first weeks after the international break, we expect him back. I always say in Holland there is privacy about [what the injury is] and I don’t know how it is over here, but like I said he will be back one or two weeks after the international break.”
Federico Chiesa’s start with Liverpool has been far from smooth. Injuries and fitness issues have restricted the Italian star to just 77 minutes of play since his arrival. In late October, Slot expressed his frustration but emphasised patience, saying that Chiesa’s return will depend entirely on his progress.
Slot noted, “Sometimes he’s there with us, trains a few days, and then goes out for injury again. I don’t want to put days or weeks on it, because I think we just have to make sure he gets in the best possible shape.”
Photo: IMAGO
Adding last week, he said, “Chiesa is not back before the international break, but there is only a week to go. We are hoping he can do things again during the international break and that he can join us afterwards.”
Harvey Elliott has been limited to just one appearance this season following a fractured foot suffered with England’s U21s in September. The 21-year-old initially aimed for an October return, but his rehabilitation has pushed him out of action until at least the end of the international break.
Photo: IMAGO
Elliott’s injury has been a setback for Liverpool’s midfield, with his expected energy and creativity missed. Liverpool fans will be hoping for his return by late November.
Liverpool’s first-choice goalkeeper, Alisson Becker, has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since the Reds’ victory over Crystal Palace in October. Slot’s recent update suggests that while Alisson’s recovery is on track, fans should not expect an immediate return.
Photo: IMAGO
“He’s progressing well,” Slot stated. “Like we expected, but it is not a short-term recovery, so it is always difficult to judge. The best way to judge an injury is at the end of an injury, in that phase of the rehab.” Slot added, “And he is not there yet. I can’t tell you how long he will be out but don’t expect him to be [back before the international break].”
These injuries have come at a challenging time for Liverpool, especially as they look to maintain their position in the league and compete on multiple fronts. The impact of Alexander-Arnold’s potential absence on Liverpool’s defence and Jota’s unavailability in attack cannot be overstated. Meanwhile, the fitness struggles of new signing Chiesa highlight Liverpool’s pressing need for depth in their attacking options.
As the international break unfolds, Liverpool supporters will be eagerly awaiting further updates, hoping their squad can reassemble as close to full strength as possible before they face Southampton and later, Manchester City.