Jurgen Klopp clarifies Alexander-Arnold & Szoboszlai injury timelines

© IMAGO

Jurgen Klopp has revealed that Dominik Szoboszlai 'maybe' has a chance of being fit in time for the Carabao Cup final, while Trent Alexander-Arnold is likely to return after.

The pair are currently sidelined with injuries, with both suffering from recurring issues picked up at the start of this year.

Alexander-Arnold sustained a knee injury during Liverpool's FA Cup win over Arsenal in January, but returned to action after four games out. He was then substituted in last Saturday's win over Burnley, with Klopp confirming a recurrence of the same problem.

Meanwhile, Szoboszlai suffered a hamstring strain during the New Year's Day win over Newcastle, before making his comeback towards the end on the month in the wins over Norwich and Chelsea. However, like Liverpool's vice-captain, his initial complain resurfaced.

A report this week claimed that Alexander-Arnold is now out of contention for Liverpool's Carabao Cup final clash on 25 February, as well as the two games prior, while Szoboszlai faces a race against time for the showpiece event.

Asked for an update of the pair's status in his pre-match press conference ahead of the trip to Brentford, Klopp confirmed the cup final will likely come too soon for Alexander-Arnold at least.

"It's a super intense period... People think now about the final which is fine, but before the final we have Brentford and Luton and actually I didn't think a second about the final yet," he said.

"With Dom it will be around that time [25 February]. We will see. With Trent maybe a week or two longer.

"I'm not sure Dom has a chance for the final, but maybe and Trent will probably be after."

© IMAGO - Trent Alexander-Arnold file photo File photo dated 23-12-2023 of Liverpool s Trent Alexander-Arnold, who hopes his initiative to find jobs for academy prospects who fail to become professional footballers is the beginning of a wider conversation . Issue date: Tuesday February 6, 2024. FILE PHOTO EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or live services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publica... PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxUKxIRL Copyright: xPeterxByrnex 75260694

As well as the looming Carabao Cup final, Liverpool face a key period in their season with the Europa League last 16, FA Cup fifth round and clashes against both Manchester City and Everton all coming up in the next four weeks as the Reds continue to compete on four fronts.

Klopp's prediction of 'a week or two' after the cup final would put Alexander-Arnold in contention to return for the Premier League game against City at Anfield on 10 March.

Elsewhere, Klopp appeared to confirm that Mo Salah is in contention to start in Saturday's clash with Brentford, as are several other stars who sat out last week's win over Burnley.

"Mo is back in full training," he said.

"Ibou [Konate] is not suspended anymore. Joe [Gomez] is fit again. Conor [Bradley] is back. Ali is back, so that's all positive.

"Thiago, no. Trent, no. That's true."

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