Liverpool team news: Andy Robertson & Cody Gakpo injury updates ahead of Merseyside derby

Liverpool return from the international break with a bang this weekend as they take on Everton at Anfield.

The Merseyside derby is (predictably) the Premier League's early kick off on Saturday, with Jurgen Klopp and co looking for a return to winning ways after a draw and defeat in their last two.

While the 12-day break has provided a chance to rest and regroup for some, it's been bad news for other with the Reds picking up a fresh injury concern when Andy Robertson was substituted during Scotland's defeat to Spain with a shoulder problem.

Liverpool's number 26 is one of several doubts and definite absentees for the Merseyside derby this weekend.

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Andy Robertson

Liverpool's first choice left back is a near certainty to miss the game this weekend with a suspected dislocated shoulder.

After having Spain keeper Unai Simon land awkwardly on him after a collision in the Euro 2024 qualifier in Seville, Robertson was taken off using his shirt as a makeshift sling.

He has since been sent back to Liverpool for a scan, with the Reds awaiting an assessment of the damage. How long the 29-year-old is out for likely depends on whether surgery is required and could range from a couple of weeks to a few months.

Speaking ahead of Scotland's friendly with France, manager Steve Clarke said: "As always with injured players, we send them back to their club; Andy's gone back to Liverpool. Liverpool will deal with his injury. Obviously it's a shoulder issue and Liverpool will deal with it.

"If he's fit for next month, it's great. If he's not fit for next month then hopefully he'll be fit as soon as possible for his club."

Cody Gakpo

There appears to be a decent chance Gakpo will be available to play some part in the derby.

The forward missed international duty with the Netherlands due to a knee injury suffered in the controversial 2-1 defeat to Spurs, but the issue is not thought to be severe and it has been predicted that he could return this weekend.

“He is already out of the brace,” Klopp said prior to the draw at Brighton. “[He] walks normal around, so from all the very, very bad opportunities and possibilities injury-wise, I think he nearly got the best but is still injured.”

Caoimhin Kelleher

Liverpool's backup keeper is another player who skipped international duty with injury, having also missed Liverpool's games against Union Saint-Gilloise and Brighton.

Ireland boss Stephen Kenny revealed that Kelleher's issue required stitches on his knee, ruling him out of the games against Greece and Gibraltar.

Assuming he cannot make the bench for the visit of Everton, 36-year-old Adrian will be among the substitutes.

Stefan Bajcetic

18-year-old Bajcetic's road to full recovery has been a slow one after suffering an unfortunate adductor injury in March.

The midfielder missed all of pre-season and was only re-introduced to first-team action after the last international break against LASK in the Europa League. However, another setback has since halted the Spain Under-21 star's progress.

Speaking earlier in October, Jurgen Klopp said it would be 'cool' if the teenager was available to play again after the latest round of internationals.

Thiago Alcantara

Like Bajcetic, Thiago could make a comeback this weekend if all goes to plan. However, unlike his young compatriot, he is yet to feature in a single minute of action in 2023/24.

The veteran playmaker has been out since the back end of last season with a hip issue and last started a game for the Reds way back in February.

Frequent setbacks have pushed back Thiago's return date, though there is caution optimism that the former Bayern Munich star could get minutes again soon.

Klopp said: “It is just, for [Thiago] himself especially, annoying. He had now two setbacks in the rehab, not massive but enough to take him off the pitch again. Obviously not the same injury, not at all, but a bit similar.

Curtis Jones

And finally, a confirmed absentee for the derby is local boy Jones, who is serving the second match of his three-game ban.

Jones' controversial first-half red card against Spurs was not rescinded by the FA despite Liverpool's appeal and he will miss the clash with Everton.

Diogo Jota, however, who also saw red in that game, will be available for selection on Saturday, having served his one-game ban for two yellows.