Liverpool Title March Faces Injury Challenges | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Formidable Charge Toward the Title

Liverpool are ending 2024 in dominant fashion, perched at the summit of the Premier League table. Under Arne Slot, the Reds dismantled West Ham 5-0 on Sunday, a performance befitting their title aspirations. Now eight points clear of Nottingham Forest in second, and with a game in hand, Liverpool’s campaign appears unstoppable—barring one potential stumbling block: injuries.

Key Injuries Impacting Liverpool’s Squad

This season, Slot has navigated an array of absences, but the prospect of losing pivotal players like Virgil van Dijk or Mohamed Salah is a concern that could derail their progress. With fixtures coming thick and fast, Liverpool’s depth will undoubtedly be tested as they chase domestic and European glory.

Joe Gomez Suffers Hamstring Setback

Sunday’s emphatic win over West Ham came at a price, as Joe Gomez exited with what appeared to be a hamstring issue. Already deputising for Ibrahima Konate, who remains sidelined, Gomez’s absence could stretch Liverpool’s resources further.

Photo: IMAGO

Speaking post-match, Slot explained: “You saw today an injury of Joe Gomez. If a player says he wants to stop, he has to be changed.

“In a sprint, then we all know it’s a hamstring and we all know it’s going take a while before he is back. I don’t know how long but he will be out for quite a bit.”

Potential return date: Unknown

Ibrahima Konate Nearing Return

Konate has not featured since November’s Champions League triumph over Real Madrid. However, Slot has hinted at a potential return for next week’s clash against Manchester United.

“They [Konate and Conor Bradley] will not be back for West Ham United, but then there is a week in between [before the game against Manchester United], so let’s see how close they are then.

“It’s difficult for me to tell you at this moment because they don’t train with the group yet, but hopefully in the upcoming days they come closer to that situation. And then again, Ibou has been out then for five or six weeks maybe, Conor just as long I think, the same amount.

“And also for them, they are in competition with players that are completely fit and doing really well, so I have to make the right judgement the moment they are back with the team.”

Potential return date: January 2025

Federico Chiesa’s Fitness Management

Federico Chiesa was notably absent from the squad against West Ham. Slot clarified the Italian’s exclusion, stressing the importance of managing his fitness after a recent spell on the sidelines.

Photo: IMAGO

“We are working on his match fitness and whenever we can, we try to bring him on the bench with the team,” Slot said. “But he was on the bench during the week and we thought it was better for him to have some extra training sessions instead of joining us, so it’s a constant balance we have to find between getting him fitter and fitter and letting him join the team.”

Potential return date: January 2025

Conor Bradley’s Status

Photo IMAGO

Like Konate, young defender Conor Bradley remains unavailable due to a lingering injury sustained during the same period. Slot’s cautious approach suggests he will return to action alongside Konate in January, offering Liverpool greater defensive options.

Potential return date: January 2025

Depth Will Define Liverpool’s Season

Liverpool’s ability to weather these injury challenges will be critical in maintaining their lead atop the Premier League. With standout performances from key players and a proactive approach to squad rotation, Slot’s side look primed to sustain their momentum into 2025. However, any further setbacks to critical personnel could test their resilience as the season reaches its climax.