Liverpool Injury News: Klopp confirms returns for FOUR stars next week

Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Curtis Jones is 'in contention' to face Sheffield United on Thursday night, while four more Liverpool stars are approaching full fitness again.

The Reds' injury crisis has caused issues for much 0f the 2023/24 season, with the majority of the first team spending some at least some time in the treatment room this season.

While Liverpool still have several players out of action for the immediate future, with games against Sheffield United and Manchester United to face in the coming week, Klopp has revealed that key stars Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alisson Becker and Diogo Jota are all nearing returns to team training, along with youngster Stefan Bajcetic.

Injury boosts

Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the visit of Sheffield United, Klopp updated on his squad's fitness, confirming as expected that Jones could play his first minutes since 17 February.

"Curtis is in full training and in contention, that's it pretty much," he said.

"The other boys [are] doing well. Diogo and Trent are together in a group. It looks like from next week on they will both be hopefully in parts of team training and we will see the rest.

"Ali is with the goalkeeper coaches. I just see them through the fence but that looks good as well. I think in his mind as well, next week, parts of team training."

Later in the press conference, the manager also added that Bajcetic would link up with the first-team next week after training with the Under-21s in recent days.

Klopp continued: "He [Bajcetic] trains now fully with the U21s this week. That means we will take him in training next week to us and then we will see. Another one coming and that's super-important."

Alisson last featured for Liverpool on 4 February, Alexander-Arnold week later on 10 February, while Jota has not been seen since 17 February. Meanwhile, Bajcetic last featured in September lasy year and has struggled with a long-standing issue.

Whether the quartet are in contention to play a part in the Liverpool games next week against Atalanta (11/4) and Crystal Palace (14/4) or if they will require more time to readjust to the rigours of team training remain to be seen. However, the nearing comebacks of key players will be a huge boost to Klopp and Liverpool ahead of an increasingly hectic run-in.

Liverpool upcoming fixtures

As things stand, the Reds face a total of eight matches in the month of April, while each clash has the potential to define the season at this crucial stage.

Following the home game against the Blades on Thursday night, Liverpool travel to Old Trafford on Thursday. That is followed by the Europa League quarter final at home to Atalanta on Thursday 11 April, with a return to Premier League action against Crystal Palace scheduled for the following Sunday.

Beyond that, Klopp's men also face the reverse leg of their Atalanta tie, a Merseyside derby and trips to Fulham and West Ham before the month is through.