When it comes to injuries, the international break is often a stressful time. Liverpool usually appears to have some sort of problem when someone takes a knock (or worse), and this time is no exception.
The main story this week has been Andy Robertson’s injury while captaining his national team, but what about the other players who are currently on the sidelines?
With a critical encounter against Everton at Anfield less than a week away, we’ve compiled the latest information into one handy round-up of what we know so far.
Here is the most recent Liverpool.com injury update, which includes six players who could miss the Merseyside derby and two who have recently been suspended.
Andy Robertson
Roberton, who was injured while playing for Scotland against Spain, is the latest Liverpool player to be sidelined, and it is uncertain how long he will be out. Robertson dislocated his shoulder, which is never a pleasant injury to undergo, but the length of his absence has yet to be determined.
Missing the Merseyside derby a week today seems certain, but hopefully it won’t be too long after that, since Liverpool has a run of vital fixtures in all competitions coming up.
Cody Gakpo
Dutch forward Cody Gakpo scored against the Spurs despite being injured at the time. But, fortunately, it is not as serious as originally feared.
“Cody has a good chance of returning [after the international break],” Jürgen Klopp remarked ahead of the Brighton encounter. “Already out of the brace, walks normal around here.”
Curtis Jones and Diogo Jota (both suspended)
Curtis Jones has two games left on his Premier League (and domestic cup) suspension, so he will miss both Everton and Nottingham Forest, but he might return for Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup.
He’ll be able to play in the Europa League against Toulouse, so he won’t lose too much match fitness. Meanwhile, Diogo Jota has completed his one-match suspension and will be fit to face Everton.
Conor Bradley and Caoimhn Kelleher
Caoimhn Kelleher, the Liverpool goalkeeper, would have faced Union SG in the Europa League at Anfield and was also set to play for his country, the Republic of Ireland, during the international break. He should be able to play against Toulouse and Bournemouth later this month, although no timetable has been released.
Meanwhile, Conor Bradley is on his way back. He is running again, although he did not participate in team training before to the international break. When he returns, he should have his sights set on domestic cup tournaments and possibly the Europa League.
Stefan Bajetic and Thiago Alcântara
Thiago has had a number of setbacks after being out for months, and it is hoped that he will not be away for much longer (though it was believed at one point that he would be back in time for pre-season).
Meanwhile, Stefan Bajeti will need to be closely monitored when he returns. The teenager has returned from a long-term injury, but Liverpool will be cautious not to overburden him. His most recent problem arose spontaneously as a result of his rehabilitation.
With Alexis MacAllister as the best number six option at the present and Wataru End still settling in, having a couple of extra players available who can play in that role would be no bad thing, but hurrying Thiago and Bajeti could cause more harm than good.