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Liverpool goes into its second meeting with Manchester United inside three weeks full of confidence following its 3-1 win against Sheffield United in midweek. Moreover, Jürgen Klopp’s men will be buoyed by the manner of United’s defeat to Chelsea in the dying moments of a chaotic match at Stamford Bridge.
United was 3-2 ahead with only minutes remaining, before a penalty from Cole Palmer and another quickfire strike from the 21-year-old secured three unlikely points for Chelsea and left United heartbroken. Things don’t get any easier for Erik ten Hag as he now has to pick up his troops and welcome Liverpool to Old Trafford once more.
Liverpool remains on top of the Premier League following its win at Anfield against Sheffield United and, with Manchester City and Arsenal both winning their games in midweek, the league table is still as it was. Liverpool is two points clear of Arsenal and three of City with both rivals playing again later today.
Yet it also means that any slip-up from the Reds could be severely punished, and the pressure is now on Klopp’s men to win every single game, with only eight fixtures remaining this season. Injuries will no doubt play a key role in how well Liverpool does between now and then. So here is the latest on Klopp’s players.
Wataru Endō
The Japan international wasn’t risked against Sheffield United on Thursday after he picked up a knock in the win over Brighton. Klopp gave an update after the win against the Blades and suggested that Endō is penciled in for a return against Manchester United.
“We rested him today,” Klopp said, via the Liverpool ECHO. “We had a feeling that he could’ve had a chance for tonight but if we leave him out there’s a big chance for Sunday. That hasn’t changed.” Possible return dates: Manchester United (April 7).
Diogo Jota and Trent Alexander-Arnold
Liverpool has been without both Diogo Jota and Trent Alexander-Arnold since the middle of February, but the pair are close to returning and should be back in training next week. Alexander-Arnold has been struggling with a knee injury for some time and hasn’t featured since the win over Burnley on February 10.
Jota was forced off on a stretcher in the 4-1 win at Brentford the following week but in his press conference this week, Klopp confirmed they are progressing well. “The boys are doing well, Diogo [Jota] and Trent [Alexander-Arnold] are together in a group which helps both but it just looks like next week hopefully in parts of team training and then we will see the rest,” Klopp said.
It appears both are nearing their returns, but the game against United might just arrive too soon for both. Possible return dates: Mid-April (returning to parts of team training next week).
Alisson Becker and Stefan Bajčetić
Klopp has confirmed that Alisson is set to return in the next several weeks. The Brazilian goalkeeper injured his hamstring in training and has missed Liverpool’s last 12 matches, with Caoimhin Kelleher deputizing. Earlier this week, Klopp said of Alisson: “Ali is with the goalkeeper coaches, so I just see them through the fence, but that looks good as well. I think in his mind as well, next week parts of team training.”
For Bajčetić, it’s been a season blighted by injury following his breakthrough a year ago. He has been restricted to just two opportunities and hasn’t played since September, but has been training with the club’s U21s to build his fitness. He is also expected to rejoin the first team next week.
“Stefan [Bajčetić] trains now fully with the U21s this week,” Klopp said. via the Liverpool ECHO. “That means we will take him in training next week to us and then we will see. He is another one coming [back] and that’s super-important.” It’ll be good to see the talented Spaniard back on the field. Possible return dates: Later in April.
Joël Matip, Thiago Alcântara and Ben Doak
Matip has likely played his last game for the club after Klopp stated the Cameroonian is unlikely to return to action before the season ends. Matip has been out since December with an ACL injury suffered against Fulham but is back running at the club’s training ground.
The German said: “I think since he got injured this is the best moment because it was very painful in the beginning, very painful for him [but] he got through that and now he is pain-free. But, that now all takes time so I don’t think the season is long enough for him.” Matip’s contract expires at the end of the season he may never wear the red shirt again, with an extension unlikely.
Thiago, meanwhile, has made just one brief cameo appearance this season at Arsenal, and hasn’t been seen since. The 32-year-old is also out of contract this summer and Spanish outlet Relevo claims he has returned to his homeland to work with his own personal physio in a bid to get fit. Thiago is another who likely may never play for the club again, with his contract unlikely to be renewed.
Scottish forward Doak underwent surgery on a knee problem back in December and is not expected to return until the season comes to an end, and is a major doubt to play for his country at Euro 2024. Possible return dates: Unknown but likely the summer.
