Many of Liverpool’s important players won’t be available when they return from the international break, but how long will we have to wait for each one to show up?
The Reds have had a strong start in the Premier League, and they will resume play against Everton early on the next weekend in one of the league’s biggest games.
Fortunately, Jurgen Klopp has not had to deal with too many player absences due to injury thus far in the season, but a few recent fitness concerns have been exacerbated by an undesirable streak of red cards and accompanying suspensions.
Here, we examine those who are now unavailable and estimate their return date.
Robertson, Andy
Absence: a shoulder injury
Brighton (A) has been out since
Return date not known
While on international duty, Andy Robertson departed the field against Spain with his arm in a makeshift sling, shocking fans with some terrible injury news.
The best-case situation is likely to be a two- to four-week layoff, while the worst-case is thought to be a three- to four-month absence, so Liverpool will be hoping that the damage is modest.
The club is left to worry about the severity of the issue while waiting for the results of the left-back’s scan.
Gakpo, Cody
Suspension-related absence since: Tottenham (A)
Everton (H) is scheduled to return on October 21.
Diogo Jota was ejected for two rapid bookings that kept him out of the journey to Brighton in one of a number of contentious events in North London.
The forward’s suspension was only for one game because it wasn’t a straight red card, and he will be available for selection in the Merseyside derby.
Suspended for absence
Since then: Tottenham (A)
Bournemouth (A), November 1 (may appear in Europe) is the anticipated return date.
Jota was more fortunate than Curtis Jones, who was forced to sit out three domestic games as a result of his straight red card.
He will miss the Merseyside derby and Nottingham Forest’s visit the following weekend after serving one of those games during the 2-2 draw away at Brighton.
Since the Europa League is exempt from the suspension, Jones may keep his focus by playing in the October 26 home game against Toulouse.
Bajcetic Stefan
Saturday, August 19, 2023, Liverpool, England: Stefan Bajcetic, a replacement for Liverpool, warms up before the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and AFC Bournemouth at Anfield. Liverpool triumphed 3-1. (Propaganda image by David Rawcliffe)
Not present: Adductor
Leicester (H) has been released
Return date not known
Since suffering an adductor injury in March, Stefan Bajcetic has played just 72 minutes of football for the Reds and has now experienced a fresh setback in his recovery.
Uncertainty surrounds the Spaniard’s future after an hour at right back against LASK and a late substitution against Leicester in the League Cup.
The following is what Klopp said on October 6: “I don’t know; I won’t put any pressure on [when they can return].” We’ll have to wait and see if they return after the international break. We hope it would be cool.
Kelleher, Caoimhin
Absence: Since Tottenham (A), the defeat
Return date not known
Caoimhin Kelleher unexpectedly suffered an injury just as he was about to make his Reds debut against Union SG at Anfield and prepare to play for the Republic of Ireland over the break.
The timetable for the goalkeeper’s return is uncertain after he sliced his knee and needed stitches.
He has established himself as a regular member of the Europa League and League Cup squads, so he will be eager to recuperate in time to play Toulouse at Anfield on October 26.
Thiago
Thiago’s recuperation from the hip injury he suffered in April has been a lengthy and disappointing one for the 32-year-old, who has yet to make a matchday squad this season. Out since: West Ham (A) last April Expected return: Unknown In short, who knows.
What Klopp stated on October 6: “It annoys him (Thiago) particularly. Two more setbacks in the rehab now.
Ryan Bradley
absent due to a back issue
Since: the preseason
Return anticipated in November.
Conor Bradley, who had a great stint last season as Trent Alexander-Arnold’s loanee, will have had high expectations for his 2023–24 campaign.
The right-back had two preseason appearances with the Reds, but a back issue has prevented him from participating in any competitive action since his recovery.
In response to what Klopp said on October 6: “Conor is on the way back with running, but in that age group and with these kinds of injuries you tend to give them three weeks more than not enough.”
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