Liverpool started 2024 three points clear at the top of the Premier League with a 4-2 win over Newcastle United at Anfield. But it was a victory that came at a price.Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp admitted after the game that midfielder Dominic Szoboszlai had picked up an injury. “We wanted to get him,” Klopp said. “That was the plan but unfortunately I felt a hamstring in the last situation so I was a minute late.
“Of course, we don’t know how big it is now. “We have to wait.”It was the last thing Liverpool needed, with Thiago Alcantara and Stefan Bajcetic out and Wataru Endo missing several Asian Cup games with Japan, where he captained the midfield. The Reds also parted ways with goalscorer Mohamed Salah, who earned a farewell gift with two goals in the win at Newcastle before joining Egypt for the Africa Cup of Nations.
However, the news of Klopp’s injury came when Alexis McAllister came off the bench and delivered a wonderful pass to Diogo Jota. Jota was forgotten in the commotion due to the subsequent penalty decision. Jota and Mac Allister could make their first starts since returning from injury in Sunday’s FA Cup third-round tie with Premier League rivals Arsenal.
However, if Salah and Endo leave, Liverpool could be without seven more players. Dominik Szoboszlai’s discomfort was evident as he limped off the pitch at Anfield clutching the back of his leg. However, it is not known how long the Hungarian commander will be out of action.Reds medical staff at the AXA Training Center will continue to work to get to the bottom of this matter.
However, Szoboszlai is unlikely to feature against Arsenal this weekend as Klopp has confirmed a hamstring injury.Estimated Return Date: Unknown
Andy Robertson
Robertson is set to return this month after being left out of the Scotland squad in October. The left-back had to undergo surgery to miss Liverpool’s promotion to the top of the Premier League and Scotland’s successful bid to qualify for the 2024 European Championships.Commenting on Robertson’s situation recently, Klopp said: “Robo still needs more distance on his shoulders. It was clearly major surgery. (He) is not on the practice squad or anywhere near it. “(He) can do a lot of things without using his right arm, which is definitely a good thing, but it also shows he has a long way to go. “I think it should be around January,” he said.Estimated return date: January
Costas Tsimikas
Liverpool are without a solid left-back after Robertson’s replacement Tsimikas suffered a serious injury in last month’s 1-1 Premier League draw at home to Arsenal. Tsimikas collided with Klopp on the touchline after Gunners winger Bukayo Saka landed awkwardly on Klopp’s shoulder. It was immediately noticed that the Greek footballer was in a lot of pain. And after the match, his manager confirmed the bad news. Klopp: “Anyway, he broke a bone. It’s very bad for us.”Joe Gomez, who made his name as a center back or right back, currently plays as a left back.
The Reds have re-signed youngster Owen Beck from his loan spell at Dundee. Estimated Return Date: UnknownThiago AlcantaraThiago has not featured for the Reds since the win against West Ham United in April. Hip pain became a problem for the midfielder, who underwent surgery to correct the problem. The latest update on Thiago came on Friday.Klopp said: “I think Thiago will also be training with the team around the same time (January).” “Thiago is in a very good phase but we have to make sure we don’t use him in that period.”
