Liverpool are bidding to win four trophies in 2023/24 and send off manager Jurgen Klopp in incredible style.
The German manager is leaving his role at the end of the season, meaning the Reds will have extra motivation to go all the way in the Premier League, Carabao Cup, FA Cup and UEFA Europa League between now and the end of May.
However, a worrying number of injuries in early 2024 has added to a list that was already a little longer than Klopp would have liked. Most recently, Curtis Jones and Diogo Jota were hurt in the 4-1 league win at Brentford, meaning Mohamed Salah was brought back into action perhaps a little earlier than planned.
With some potentially decisive games in their season coming up, Liverpool and Klopp will hope to have as many injured stars back and ready to play as soon as possible. So, what are the chances of that happening?
The Sporting News looks at the Reds’ main injury absentees, what their problems are, and when they are projected to be back on the field.
MORE: Where does Mohamed Salah rank in the list of all-time Liverpool goalscorers?
Liverpool injury list
These are the players missing for Liverpool due to injury, and when they are projected to return.
Thiago Alcantara
Injury: Muscular
Sustained: February. 4, 2024
Projected comeback date: Unknown
Thiago made his first appearance in 10 months in the 3-1 loss to Arsenal on February 4, but he sustained another muscle issue in his 12 minutes of action.
Jurgen Klopp said it was not a “big, big injury”, but it is unclear when the midfielder will be available again.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Injury: Lateral knee ligament damage
Sustained: February. 10, 2024
Projected comeback date: March 2024
Alexander-Arnold has suffered a recurrence of the lateral knee ligament injury he sustained in January during the 3-1 win over Brentford.
Klopp said he will likely miss the Carabao Cup final against Chelsea on February 25, but that the England international would return soon afterwards.
Alisson Becker
Injury: Hamstring damage
Sustained: February. 16, 2024
Projected comeback date: Unknown
Alisson suffered a hamstring injury in training in the days leading up to Liverpool’s Premier League match at Brentford.
Klopp said further tests would be required to determine how serious the issue was for the goalkeeper.
Stefan Bajcetic
Injury: Unspecified
Sustained: September 2023
Projected comeback date: Spring 2024
Bajcetic sustained an adductor injury last March that curtailed his breakthrough 2022/23 season, and the young midfielder suffered a setback — the exact nature of which is unclear — in his recovery back in September.
Liverpool coach Pep Lijnders said in January that the teenager’s recovery was on track but that a return before March was unlikely.
Composure level 💯
Just two minutes after his introduction, a moment Stefan Bajcetic will never forget ❤️ pic.twitter.com/UOK9VGs7lq
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 26, 2022
Ben Doak
Injury: Lateral meniscus tear (knee)
Sustained: December 2023
Projected comeback date: Unknown
Youngster Doak had surgery on a torn meniscus in December — an injury he suffered during an Under-21 match against Chelsea.
His recovery will have to be managed carefully, so it is unclear when he will return.
Curtis Jones
Injury: Suspected ankle damage
Sustained: February. 17, 2024
Projected comeback date: Unknown
Jones started the match at Brentford but hurt himself after landing awkwardly in the first half following a challenge from Mathias Jensen. He appeared to have injured his ankle.
The midfielder will require further medical assessments before any predictions over a return can be made.
Diogo Jota
Injury: Knee
Sustained: February. 17, 2024
Projected comeback date: Unknown
Jota was also injured in Liverpool’s game at Brentford. The striker collided with teammate Alexis Mac Allister and Christian Norgaard as they all attempted to win a loose ball.
Jota tried to stand but immediately signalled he could not continue, and he was taken off on a stretcher. TNT Sports reported the Portugal international had hurt his knee, and he was pictured walking gingerly near the locker rooms after the second half had started.
Two HUGE injuries in the first 45 minutes for Liverpool 😮💨
How unlucky can you get? 😬 pic.twitter.com/gEdj30KFiX
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 17, 2024
Joel Matip
Injury: Anterior cruciate ligament (knee)
Sustained: December 3, 2023
Projected comeback date: August 2024
Matip tore his ACL in Liverpool’s league win over Fulham in December 2023 and had to undergo surgery.
The defender is not likely to play again until the new season starts in August 2024.
Dominik Szoboszlai
Injury: Hamstring
Sustained: January 31, 2024
Projected comeback date: March 2024
Szoboszlai was injured in the 4-1 league in over Chelsea on January 31, 2024. The midfielder missed Liverpool’s subsequent three games and is not expected to return before the Carabao Cup final on February 25.
Klopp said Szoboszlai had “a chance” of being fit for the match at Wembley Stadium against Chelsea, but he is unlikely to take any undue risks.