Liverpool injury news: Latest updates & return dates on Alisson, Diogo Jota & more

Liverpool end November with the visit of LASK in the Europa, where they should confirm their place in the Europa League knockouts.

Domestically, the Reds have managed not to lose ground on the champions at the top end of the Premier League table, after a well-earned draw at Manchester City, and are just two points off leaders Arsenal.

However, Jurgen Klopp's side have taken something of a battering in recent weeks as we approach the jam-packed festive schedule, when strength in depth will be absolutely paramount.

Both Alisson and Diogo Jota picked up knocks in the clash at the Etihad, while Andy Robertson, Thiago and Stefan Bajcetic remain longer-term absentees.

Here's a look at Liverpool's injured stars and when they could return.

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Alisson Becker

Liverpool's number one had hearts racing when he appeared to pick up a hamstring issue late on in the draw against City. While the 32-year-old still managed to complete the game, his fitness remains in doubt.

Speaking ahead of the Europa League clash with LASK – in which Caoimhin Kelleher was always set to deputise regardless. – Klopp confirmed that Alisson is likely to miss the Reds' next four games.

"We have to see – not day by day, he will not play tomorrow, not on Sunday, probably not the week after. Then it should be kind of OK," he said.

On whether Alisson’s injury was not as bad as some feared, Klopp replied: “No, but bad enough. Bad enough.”

Alisson had started the early Saturday kick-off in Manchester despite playing for Brazil in the defeat to Argentina in the early hours of Wednesday morning, bringing into sharp focus once again the excessive strain on elite footballers' playing schedules.

Expected return: Manchester United (17 December)

Diogo Jota

The other casualty of the City game, Jota was subbed early in the second half, with an apparent muscle strain.

Klopp has admitted that the Portugal international's injury was "more severe" than that of Alisson, suggesting he likely to miss most (if not all) of the remaining games this calendar year.

Jota is the Reds' second-top scorer so far this season with eight goals in all competitions.

Expected return: Unknown 

Andy Robertson

The Scotsman underwent surgery after dislocating his shoulder during the October international break and is expected to be sidelined for a significant period of time as he recovers.

The initial timeframe for his injury was three to four months, meaning Robertson won't be available until next year.

Speaking before Scotland's draw with Norway last week, Robertson gave an update on his progress: “Yeah, getting there, slowly but surely. Surgery was a success, which was the main thing, no complications from it.

“So far, so good. I think I’m about three weeks since my surgery now, so everything is progressing well. Just bit by bit, got to take it week by week.

“Everything has gone well up to this point and hopefully that continues and then hopefully before we know it I’ll be back on the grass.”

Expected return: January 2024

Thiago Alcantara

Liverpool's 32-year-old Spanish playmaker is yet to step foot on the pitch this season as his slow recovery from hip surgery continues.

The former Bayern Munich star had been expected to return much earlier this season but suffered several setbacks.

"We expect him to be back - and I would say probably the start of the New Year," Klopp revealed recently.

"It’s now already November, so that would mean another four weeks. I would say that’s probably a realistic thing to try and I can’t wait, to be honest, to have him back.

"The player he is is just exceptional. I understand you ask, but it’s nothing where we can have a week by week update because that will not change a lot in this moment."

With Thiago's contract set to expire next summer, many of beginning to fear Thiago might never feature for Liverpool again.

Expected return: January 2024

Stefan Bajcetic

Much like his international compatriot Thiago, young midfielder Bajcetic has been beset by setbacks as he attempts to recover from a long-standing calf injury.

The Spain Under-21 star did make a brief comeback earlier this season – making two appearances in the cups back in September – but has been out of action since.

On Bajcetic, Klopp said: "With Stefan it’s, again, one of these things. Stefan’s quality, potential, talent, everybody could see and it’s incredible - what a player - but the body was not ready yet.

"They are still growing these boys and they are all different; we have other players with a different, what is it, skeleton, a different body where OK that’s fine and for other players it is a bit too early. We just have to put the break on again and just wait until that’s all fine.

"Then Liverpool FC has a wonderful player to use, but there is absolutely no time that we can put on that and we will not. We just have to wait.

"He is here, he is training, he is doing his stuff, we are building his [fitness]. We know how he good he is and now we have to make sure we help him to get a body to show that, and not only once but then three times a week.

"We will get there [and that will be] very good news for the club, [but] in the moment we cannot use him and that’s all."

Expected return: January 2024

Conor Bradley

The 20-year-old right back and Northern Ireland international had been earmarked as Trent Alexander-Arnold's deputy for this season, before a stress fracture in his back in pre-season halted his progress.

The former Bolton loanee has been out of action since the summer, but is expected to be reintegrated into action slowly with the Under-21s side as he builds up his fitness.

With one more Europa League group game to follow the clash with LASK, Bradley could get the chance for some first-team minutes in December if all goes to plan.

Expected return: December 2024