Liverpool boost as key Atalanta star ruled out of BOTH Europa League clashes

Atalanta will be without star defender Giorgio Scalvini when they take on Liverpool in the quarter finals of the Europa League this month.

Liverpool host the Italian side at Anfield in the first leg of the final eight on Thursday 11 April, before the re-match in Bergamo a week later.

According to reports in Italy, Atalanta's chances of progression to play either Benfica or Marseille in the semis have been struck a blow with the news of serious injury to centre back Scalvini.

Tutto Atalanta claims that the 20-year-old has suffered a hamstring injury that will see him miss almost the entirety of April, meaning he will not to be present for either match against Liverpool.

Scalvini — who has previously been mentioned as a possible Liverpool transfer target — has been a regular for Atalanta so far in 2023/24, making 27 Serie A appearances and five in the Europa League.

In addition to Scalvini, the only other current injury concern for Gian Piero Gasperini's side is Belgian midfielder Charles De Ketelaere, who is also suffering with a hamstring issue.

However, the 23-year-old is reported to be targeting a return before the first leg against Liverpool at Anfield.

Liverpool injuries

The Reds, meanwhile, have had more than their fair share of injury troubles.

The likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alisson Becker, Diogo Jota and Curtis Jones remain sidelined, but are all targeting comebacks this month, along with Andy Robertson, whose ankle knock on international duty was not as severe as first feared.

Meanwhile, Stefan Bajcetic, too, could finally make his long-awaited return in April after a lengthy layoff, having not featured since September.

Joel Matip remains out for the season, while there is no timeline on Thiago Alcantara's latest injury setback.

Liverpool face Sheffield United (Thursday) and Manchester United (Sunday) in the Premier League before their Europa League first leg against Atalanta.