Liverpool injury updates & return dates – who's out of Arsenal clash?

Injuries are starting to pile up for Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool.

The hectic winter schedule is beginning to drain the Reds, who have some enormous clashes on the horizon.

Next up for Klopp's men is a home encounter with Arsenal, the current Premier League leaders. A victory at Anfield on Saturday would see the Reds top the division at Christmas.

However, it will be far from straightforward up against the impressive Gunners, especially given Klopp could be without some key personnel.

Let's take a look at Liverpool's fitness concerns ahead of the visit of Mikel Arteta's side.

RYAN GRAVENBERCH

Having come off against Manchester United last weekend, there were fears that the Dutchman may have pulled his hamstring. However, it turned out to simply be fatigue, something confirmed by assistant manager Pep Lijnders before Wednesday's meeting with West Ham.

"We thought there was really something, he came off during the game and you saw immediately when he came off what that did to the team as well, he was playing really well," said Lijnders. "Especially against these man-marking sides he plays unbelievable. But he had a scan and it’s only DOMS, which is fatigue, so that’s a really good thing."

In Klopp's pre-match press conference against Arsenal, the Liverpool boss hinted that Gravenberch should be fit for the Gunners' visit. However, Curtis Jones' impressive midweek performance means the former Ajax midfielder is unlikely to start.

Potential return: Liverpool vs Arsenal (23/12/23)

ALEXIS MAC ALLISTER

Having suffered a nasty cut to his knee against Sheffield United in early December, Mac Allister has missed Liverpool's last four matches.

The World Cup winner has been a big miss, with Wataru Endo forced to start every match in his absence. While Liverpool's No. 3 has performed well, he could do with a rest soon.

However, that looks unlikely with Mac Allister expected to be missing until the new year. Klopp confirmed before the clash with Arsenal that he would not be fit for Saturday's game.

Potential return: Early 2024

DIOGO JOTA

Jota's absence has been felt by the Reds, especially against Man Utd last weekend. The Portuguese's influence either from the start or off the bench has been missed, with a greater burden of goalscoring responsibility on Liverpool's four fit attackers.

The forward was substituted during the draw with Manchester City after the November international break and is yet to feature since.

Speaking before Arsenal's visit, Klopp stated: "Macca and Diogo are getting closer and closer, but are not ready for tomorrow."

Potential return: Early 2024

ANDY ROBERTSON

Left-back Robertson is still sidelined after suffering a dislocated shoulder that required surgery in October. The Scot has been sorely missed by Klopp, with Kostas Tsimikas stepping up in his absence.

However, there was some positive news regarding the defender's injury, Klopp hopeful of having him back in January next year.

"Andy, I sat with him yesterday and he is doing pretty well, said Klopp. "The problem is that the shoulder is not there, the rest of the body’s fine, he needs to be patient a little bit longer.

"He can do all the physical work already, which annoys him a lot because he is not allowed to do ball training, a little bit of passing maybe but not properly.

"But when he is allowed to go shoulder-wise, I think it’s a short time until he will be back. We all hope it will be in January, but I don’t know."

Potential return: Early 2024

BEN DOAK

While seldom used in the Premier League, Doak will also be missing from the bench against Arsenal. The 18-year-old Scot will need surgery after suffering a tear to his lateral meniscus.

On his injury, Lijnders stated: "That’s not a good one. He teared his lateral meniscus, which needs surgery. That one will take [a] longer time. He is young, he is a fit guy, he is a positive guy so for sure he will come back stronger, and we need him to come back with the same fire he has with the ball, how he was. He can take time and we will wait for him."

Potential return: Unknown

THIAGO

Yet to play for Liverpool this season, Thiago's return isn't imminent. The Spaniard has been sidelined with complications in his hip after undergoing surgery earlier this year, with a potential return date of early next year touted.

However, the midfielder has already suffered several setbacks on his road to recovery, meaning it would be pointless to pencil his comeback in the calendar.

Potential return: Unknown

JOEL MATIP

Having torn his ACL against Fulham in the first game of December, Matip will endure a lengthy spell on the sidelines. In fact, it's likely that the centre-back will miss the rest of the campaign.

With his contract running out next summer, it's possible that he has played his final game for the Reds.

Potential return: Unknown

STEFAN BAJCETIC

Featuring just twice for Liverpool this season, Bajcetic's second campaign for the Reds has been far more underwhelming than his first. The Spaniard has suffered a number of injury setbacks and will certainly not be returning to action before the end of the year.

Speaking about the timeframe for the midfielder's recovery, Klopp said: "No, we don’t know [when he will be back]. 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 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 brake 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."

Potential return: Unknown