Liverpool Injury News and Return Dates: Salah, Szoboszlai, Alexander-Arnold to Miss Bournemouth Clash
Liverpool will be without several key players when they face Bournemouth in the Premier League on January 21. The Reds, currently sitting at the top of the Premier League table, haven’t played a league match since their 4-2 victory over Newcastle United on New Year’s Day, due to FA Cup commitments and a mid-season winter break.
Manager Jurgen Klopp’s side will be looking to extend their lead in the league, as Manchester City and Aston Villa are not in action until the following weekend. However, Liverpool will have to make do without Dominik Szoboszlai, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Kostas Tsimikas, along with long-term absentees Thiago Alcantara, Stefan Bajcetic, Joel Matip, and Ben Doak.
Mohamed Salah suffered a hamstring injury during Egypt’s Africa Cup of Nations tie against Ghana and was withdrawn from the match. Egypt’s manager, Rui Vitoria, expressed uncertainty about the severity of Salah’s injury, stating that they are still assessing the situation. Klopp confirmed that he had been in contact with Salah but could not provide an update on his condition at this time.
Szoboszlai, who sustained a hamstring injury in Liverpool’s win over Newcastle, is back running and has expressed his desire to return to training soon. However, Klopp confirmed that Szoboszlai would not be available for the Bournemouth clash but could potentially feature in the League Cup semi-final second leg against Fulham.
Alexander-Arnold’s injury came as a surprise to many, with assistant manager Pep Lijnders revealing that the full-back had hyperextended his knee during the FA Cup win against Arsenal. Klopp confirmed that Alexander-Arnold would miss the Bournemouth game but could return to team training, potentially making him available for the cup ties against Fulham and Norwich.
Andy Robertson is set to make a timely return after dislocating his shoulder while on international duty with Scotland in October. Klopp stated that Robertson, along with Alexander-Arnold, Szoboszlai, and Tsimikas, is close to a return but will not be available for the weekend’s game.
Tsimikas, who had been deputizing for Robertson, suffered an injury after a collision with Bukayo Saka during the Premier League draw against Arsenal. Klopp confirmed that Tsimikas will not be fit for the Bournemouth clash but could return to training next week.
Thiago Alcantara has been absent since April due to a hip issue and underwent surgery. Klopp confirmed that Thiago will not train with the first team until next month.
Bajcetic, who enjoyed a strong debut season but has been plagued by injuries, is still recovering and will not be ready for the end of this month, according to Lijnders.
Matip, who suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury, underwent surgery and is likely to miss the rest of the season. Klopp described the injury as unfortunate, confirming that Matip’s return date is unknown.
Doak is facing a long-term absence due to a serious knee injury sustained during a game for Liverpool’s under-21s. Lijnders expressed concern about Doak’s injury, stating that he will require surgery and a longer recovery period.
Liverpool’s injury concerns will significantly test their depth and resilience as they aim to maintain their title challenge. Despite the setbacks, Klopp remains focused on obtaining positive results with the available squad members. Liverpool fans will be eagerly awaiting the return of their injured stars as the season progresses.
As the Premier League action resumes, Liverpool will hope to overcome their injury woes and continue their pursuit of the title.
