Roberto Firmino, Luis Diaz, Curtis Jones: full Liverpool injury list and potential return games
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Liverpool prepare for their first game at Anfield for more than six weeks when they host Leicester City tomorrow night (20.00 GMT).
The Reds are aiming to build momentum after a slow start to the 2022-23 Premier League season, which has left them with an uphill battle to finish in the Champions League places.
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Hide AdJurgen Klopp’s side sit sixth in the table but after defeating Aston Villa on Boxing Day, confidence should be fairly high - and a win over Leicester will see Liverpool move within two points of the top four.
The Reds have signed Cody Gakpo from PSV Eindhoven for an initial £37 million but he’s not eligible until the January transfer window officially opens.
Heading into the Leicester game, we take a look at the latest injury news in Klopp’s squad.
Roberto Firmino
What happened
The striker suffered a calf injury during Liverpool training and has missed the past two games before the restart.
What’s been said
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Hide AdKlopp admitted before Villa that Liverpool would assess Firmino day to day but the Brazilian was set to miss a couple of games.
The Liverpool boss said: “Bobby, it’s like this, he is already on the better side of it, even when it is only a few days ago, but it’s not a major thing, so we will look day by day with him.”
Potential return
Brentford (A), Monday 2 January.
James Milner
What happened
The vice-captain picked up a hamstring issue against Man City in the Carabao Cup.
What’s been said
Although Milner’s issue is not serious, Klopp ruled him out for at least two games before Villa.
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Hide Ad"Millie didn’t get better since then – he will be out for a couple of games. Same for Bobby,Potential return
Potential return
Brentford (A), Monday 2 January.
Curtis Jones
What happened
The midfielder has been limited to only seven appearances this season, having been troubled with a tibia issue.
What’s been said
Before the City game, assistant boss Pep Lijnders admitted Jones was a week away from team training. The academy product, therefore, may need a couple of sessions to get up to full speed.
Potential return game
Brentford (A), Monday 2 January.
Arthur Melo
What happened
The on-loan Juventus midfielder sustained a thigh problem early into his Liverpool spell. Arthur has played just once since arriving before undergoing surgery.
What’s been said
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Hide AdItalian journalist Fabrizio Romano has reported that Arthur won’t be back available until the end of January.
Romano wrote on Twitter: “He’d return in training at the end of December but to see him on the pitch and in good condition it could take one more month, likely end of January. Liverpool staff wants no mistakes with Arthur’s recovery and wants him 100% fit before playing again.”
Potential return game
N/A.
Diogo Jota
What happened
The forward suffered a serious calf injury in stoppage-time against Manchester City in October. Jota was forced to be stretchered off and missed the World Cup with Portugal.
What’s been said
Speaking after Jota’s setback, Klopp said: “Not good news with Diogo, yes he will miss the World Cup.
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Hide Ad“Pretty serious injury in the muscle, calf muscle. Now the recovery starts, or the process starts, let me say it like this.
“That’s it pretty much, that’s the first diagnosis, which was pretty clear. All the rest will follow in the next few days.
“Very sad news for the boy, for us, for Portugal, for everybody.”
Jota is expected to be back at the end of January, at the earliest.
Potential return game
N/A.
Luis Diaz
What happened
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Hide AdThe winger limped off with a knee injury in Liverpool’s 3-2 loss against Arsenal in October.
Diaz was on the comeback trail but hit a setback in Dubai and left the training camp early.
What’s been said
Speaking after Liverpool’s loss to Lyon, Klopp said: “He was not in the best possible place. It’s clear it’s a big disappointment for all of us, for him as well.
“It was a non-situation in training, honestly – nothing, felt something. [He] didn’t feel a lot the next day but we wanted to be really cautious and said, ‘OK, come on, let’s have a look.’
“Yeah, then the news came and it was a proper smash in the face. But that’s it now.”
Potential return game
N/A.