The last time the Reds played in the Premier League at Selhurst Park, they overcame a late deficit to defeat Crystal Palace. Jean-Philippe Mateta’s first goal from the penalty spot was cancelled out by goals from Mohamed Salah and Harvey Elliott.
The Reds’ victory over Roy Hodgson’s team put them one point clear of Arsenal at the top of the standings. Although Alisson Becker made a comeback over the weekend, Jurgen Klopp is still without several key first-team players.
In light of that, we have compiled the most recent information on Liverpool’s injuries and anticipated return dates in front of their games on Thursday night and this weekend against Manchester United.
Joel Matip
Three days after Matip was substituted out of Sunday’s match against Fulham in the second half, Klopp announced at Bramall Lane that the player had suffered an ACL tear and would require a lengthy recovery period.
Unfortunately for the defender, his contract expires at the end of June, and it is unknown if he will play for the team again, as ACL injuries usually need nine months on the sidelines.
Potential return date: Unknown
Alexis Mac Allister
Following an early hit to the knee, Mac Allister was replaced after about 60 minutes of Wednesday’s victory at Bramall Lane.
Taking to Instagram after the game, however, the Argentine confirmed that he was fine and only required stitches for the wounds he suffered. He said: “Everything’s fine. I got a few stitches, but I’ll bounce back soon. We keep going. Come on Liverpool.”
Mac Allister, however, might be left out of the starting lineup as a precaution because Liverpool has to make a rapid turnaround in order to make their trip to Selhurst Park.
Potential return date: December 23
Diogo Jota
Jota is looking forward to playing against Manchester United this weekend, and he hopes to demonstrate his fitness.
Since being replaced against Manchester City on November 25 due to a muscle ailment, the forward has not appeared in any games.
But before the trip to Selhurst Park on Saturday, he was able to return to the grass earlier this week and participate in team training.
Potential return date: December 14-17
Andy Robertson, Stefan Bajcetic, Thiago Alcantara
That means that Robertson, Bajcetic, and Thiago—Liverpool’s three long-term absentees—will probably not play again until January 2024.
Due to a shoulder dislocation sustained while playing for Scotland on international duty and the subsequent need for surgery, Robertson has not appeared in a Reds game since October.
While Thiago hasn’t participated in a competitive match since April, Klopp acknowledged last month that the Spaniard has encountered a setback on his road to recovery.
Finally, Klopp has declined to provide a timeframe for when we might see 19-year-old Bajcetic return to action due to his developing problems.
Return date: January 2024