Salah, Mane, Diaz, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Gomez, Origi - Liverpool injuries and return dates ahead of Leicester

Liverpool turn their attention back to the Premier League when they welcome Leicester City to Anfield on Thursday.

The second-placed Reds aim to keep the pressure on Manchester City in the title race as they bid to maintain their unbeaten start to 2022.

Jurgen Klopp’s men eased to a 3-1 FA Cup fourth-round victory over Cardiff City last Sunday.

It means Liverpool continue their assault on four competitions, having qualified for the Champions League last 16 and have a Carabao Cup final against Chelsea at Wembley at the end of the month.

However, their sole focus will be Leicester - the last team to inflict defeat on the Reds before the turn of the year.

We take a look at the latest injury news and potential return dates ahead of the encounter.

Mo Salah

The winger will still be feeling the pain of the AFCON final defeat with Egypt on Sunday evening.

After a goalless draw with Senegal after extra-time, the Phraohs lost 4-2 on penalties - with Salah not getting a chance to take one having been assigned the fifth spot-kick.

The former AS Roma forward is now is keen to get back to action with Liverpool and build on his outstanding tally of 23 goals this season.

It's reported that he will be back in training today, although he may undergo a separate session to his team-mates.

That's despite racking up 480 minutes of football in an 11-day period.

Regardless, if Salah is back then he'll no doubt be on the bench at the very minimum.

Potential return game: Leicester, 10 February.

Sadio Mane

With Salah still licking his wounds, Mane will be in buoyant spirits.

He was at the fulcrum of Senegal's AFCON triumph, holding his nerve to sweep home the winning penalty, and should return to Anfield with his confidence sky-high.

Mane was expected to visit his homeland to celebrate the triumph before making his way back to Liverpool.

He’s not back in England and Klopp has now confirmed Mane won’t be back for the Leicester game.

The boss told the club’s website: “Sadio flies out if it’s possible on Wednesday night, so will arrive here on Thursday but he is, of course, then not involved in the Leicester game.”

It means that he will likely return for the trip to Burnley on Sunday.

Potential return game: Burnley, 13 February.

Divock Origi

It's been somewhat of a frustrating season for the Anfield cult hero.

Origi's made just 11 appearances in all competitions, although he has bagged an impressive five goals.

His last outing arrived on 7 December in the 2-1 Champions League victory at AC Milan - in which the Belgium international scored the winner.

Origi's been sidelined for longer than most expected but he did return to full team training last week.

That means Origi should be match fit for Leicester but it very much depends if he's selected for duty by Klopp.

Potential return game: Leicester, 10 February

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Joe Gomez

The pair were omitted from the squad against Cardiff despite technically being available.

Both Oxlade-Chamberlain and Gomez had been isolating after testing positive for Covid-19.

The pair could have been involved after their respective isolation periods ended but were left out because of a lack of preparation.

Yet they should be back in training. Oxlade-Chamberlain could well start having been in rich form before the international break while Gomez is likely to be on the bench if he is involved.

Potential return date: Leicester, 10 February.

Luis Diaz

The £50 million January signing from Porto made a fine impact on his debut against Cardiff.

It was the Colombian's impressed work that led to Takumi Minamino doubling Liverpool's lead.

However, there were some fears when Diaz went down injured and received treatment several minutes soon afterwards.

Klopp did allay fears after the final whistle, though, with Diaz suffering a bruise and a small cut.

He should be fine to be involved against Leicester and could well be handed a full debut.