Liverpool look set for triple injury boost ahead Newcastle United match
Liverpool’s imperious form continued with a 1-0 victory over Aston Villa on Saturday.
The Reds ensured Steven Gerrard’s first return to Anfield was a miserable one, with Mo Salah’s 67th-minute penalty proving the difference.
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Hide AdIt topped a fine week for Jurgen Klopp’s side after a 2-1 victory over AC Milan ensured they became the first English club in Champions League history to win all six group games.
Liverpool are building serious momentum and Klopp will be delighted with the current situation at Anfield.
However, he knows there is still room for improvement - and getting some of his injured players back will give the Reds boss the scope to do that.
As things stand, there are six players absent ahead of the visit of Newcastle United on Thursday.
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Hide AdHere’s a look at when the might be available for selection again.
1. Roberto Firmino
The striker has been absent since the 2-0 victory over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League with a hamstring injury.
After missing the past eight matches, Firmino is closing in on a return to full fitness.
He’s back training, although he wasn’t risked against Villa.
Potential return: Newcastle.
2. Divock Origi
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Hide AdThe Belgium international looked set for a rare Premier League start against Villa with Diogo Jota only fit enough to make the bench.
However, there were a few surprises when Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain instead operated as a makeshift striker against Villa.
Klopp admitted the striker suffered problems in training but is hopeful Origi’s issue isn’t too serious.
Potential return: Newcastle
3. Curtis Jones
A freak eye injury he suffered in training has meant Jones has been left kicking his heels for the past nine games.
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Hide AdWhat will irk the midfielder the most is that he will feel more than physically ready to play. However, he requires the green light from a doctor to again be involved.
Klopp revealed Jones was last assessed at the end of November and will be examined again.
Potential return: Newcastle
4. Harvey Elliott
There were serious fears for Elliott when he was stretchered off at Leeds in September with a dislocated ankle. But he’s retained his enthusiasm throughout his rehab and can now see light at the end of the tunnel.
The attacking midfielder is now back on the grass conducting individual training with the ball at his feet. There will be no rush to get Elliott back to match fitness, but the next step is being reintroduced to the first-team set-up.
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Hide AdThe Reds may also look at the 19-year-old playing some games for the under-23s to get up to speed.
Potential return: unknown
5. Nat Phillips
Spare a thought for the centre-back. After a superb display in the win at AC Milan, nullifying Zlatan Ibrahimovic impeccably, Phillips might have hoped for more minutes over the festive period.
Yet the former Bolton defender now is set for a decent period on the sidelines because of a cheekbone injury.
He’s still available to train but will undergo an individual plan so his problem doesn’t worsen.
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Hide AdPhillips could be absent for five weeks and been linked with a January exit.
Potential return: mid-January.
6. Adrian
The goalkeeper is firmly third choice at Liverpool behind Alisson Becker and Caoimhin Kelleher.
It’s not a major blow that Adrian is absent, although it certainly weakens the department.
Adrian, whose only appearance this came in the 2-0 Carabao Cup victory over Preston, has a calf problem and Marco Pitaluga’s stepped into his place.
Potential return: unknown.