Liverpool injury update and expected return dates after fresh Arne Slot blow
Liverpool are gearing up to host Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday, with boss Arne Slot close to having a near-full squad for the clash with Ruben Amorim's side.
Liverpool have surged to a dominant lead at the top of the Premier League, with the Reds now holding a gigantic eight-point lead over nearest rivals Nottingham Forest.
Sunday's trip to West Ham was a comfortable one for Arne Slot's side, who thrashed the Hammers 5-0. They did have to recover from an early injury to Joe Gomez though, with the Englishman forced off before half-time.
Slot has had to battle injuries to several key players, but has been able to keep his side rolling along. They are arguably in a very healthy state heading into the New Year, with only four stars in the treatment room.
Gomez became the fourth on Sunday evening, though that number looks set to be eased in the coming days.
Joe Gomez
Gomez has enjoyed a resurgent year since taking the place of Ibrahima Konate in central defence. But he was forced off 37 minutes into the win over West Ham with an apparent muscle injury.
While he was unable to provide a full update on the injury, Slot admitted he fears the Gomez could be sidelined for a 'while'. He told Sky Sports: “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. These situations can happen in a season.”
Potential return date: Unknown
Ibrahima Konate
The Frenchman has not featured since the win over Spanish giants Real Madrid. But Slot has hinted he could be fit to face United on Sunday.
"Konate & Bradley will not be back for West Ham United, but then there is a week in between so let's see how close they are then," Slot said.
"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."
Potential return date: 5 January 2025
Conor Bradley
Bradley was also injured in the win over Real Madrid at the end of November. If Slot is correct, the right back may also be back for the visit of United, though he did sound a warning.
The Reds boss has insisted Bradley and Konate will have to earn a recall, though this appears to be more of an issue for the former given Gomez's injury. Bradley will be battling against Trent for the right-back spot.
Slot said: "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: 5 January 2025
Federico Chiesa
Chiesa was once again not included in the squad for the win over West Ham on Sunday. It is the 19th game the Italian has been excluded from, with Slot revealing he is still working on his fitness.
"Federico I've said many times already, we are working on two things, we are working on his match fitness and whenever we can we tried to bring him with the team," Slot said on Sunday.
"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. It's the constant balance we have to find between getting him fitter and fitter and letting him join the team."
Potential return date: January 2025
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