Liverpool without up to SIX first-team players for Newcastle as injury crisis INTENSIFIES

Liverpool have been in sensational form all season long, easing to the top of the Premier League standings as well as top spot in the Champions League group phase.

Arne Slot has made a mockery of pre-season predictions, storming to a total of 18 wins in 20 matches, losing only once. But Slot’s incredible Liverpool start has come at a cost with several first-team stars currently injured.

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It means the Dutchman has precious few assets at his disposal as he faces a total of NINE matches across the month of December. Next up is Newcastle in the Premier League on Wednesday night before the Merseyside Derby against hapless Everton on Saturday lunchtime.

Liverpool's growing injury list

Slot will be hoping to welcome back one or two of his first-teamers ahead of Newcastle with SIX currently sidelined with various knocks.

Alisson Becker has been out since before the October international break, suffering a hamstring injury against Crystal Palace. Caoimhin Kelleher has been deputising since with Vitezslav Jaros on the bench. However, it is not beyond possibility that Alisson returns on Wednesday night as he has commenced some training work with the goalkeeping coaches.

Conor Bradley was added to the injury list on November 27, suffering a hamstring injury of his own in the Champions League win against Real Madrid.

It could be 2025 before the Northern Ireland man plays again with Slot confirming he would be out “for a few weeks” following the win against Manchester City on Sunday.

Konate injury blow

Meanwhile Federico Chiesa was nowhere to be found on the bench at Anfield on Sunday as he recovers from injury and attempts to build up enough fitness for the rigours of the Premier League.

The club however posted a hopeful update over his condition on Monday.

Diogo Jota hurt his ribs during the game against Chelsea on October 20, ceding his place in the team to Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez. He, too, was absent from the squad on Sunday.

Ibrahima Konate was added to the infirm list following the Real Madrid game too, being clattered one time too often by Endrick and subsequently being spotted on crutches at Anfield on Sunday. Like Bradley, he too will be out for WEEKS.

And finally Kostas Tsimikas was also seen using crutches - and a protective boot - at Anfield on Sunday. Not much is known about his injury although it was revealed by Slot before the Real Madrid game that he had suffered an injury in training.

Mac Allister suspension threat

It was reported that he rolled his ankle and is scheduled to miss the upcoming games with Andy Robertson in command of the left-back spot.

Arne Slot will also have to worry about the prospect of suspensions with Alexis Mac Allister already ruled out of the next Champions League encounter against Girona on December 10 and is only one booking away from missing a Premier League match too.

Konate is also one yellow card away from missing a match in the league but isn’t likely to take part with the first team for a while.

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