Salah, Nunez, Endo, Gravenberch: full Liverpool injury list and potential return games
Liverpool's ambitions of achieving a four-trophy haul are well and truly on after they claimed the first piece of silverware up for grabs this season.
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Hide AdThe Reds earned a 1-0 win over Chelsea to be crowned Carabao Cup champions. Virgil van Dijk's header in the 28th minute of extra-time ensured that the club won the competition for a record 10th time.
What made Liverpool's victory more impressive was that they were without a plethora of players at Wembley and ended the game with several rookies on the pitch.
Jurgen Klopp's side have ambitions of also winning the Premier League, Europa League and FA Cup. They face Southampton in the FA Cup fifth round on Wednesday night before aiming to stay top of the Premier League with a trip to Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
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Hide AdThe Reds will be hoping to get some players back amid a current injury crisis that threatens their aspirations for the campaign. Ahead of the Southampton clash, here's a look at the current players sidelined and when they might be back.
Mo Salah - hamstring
Liverpool's talisman was at Wembley but could not be involved as he did not pass a fitness test. The Reds have been taking it day-to-day when it comes to Salah's return, having been suffering from fatigue after recovering from a hamstring issue sustained at the African Cup of Nations.
Potential return game: Southampton (H), Wednesday 28 February
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Hide AdDarwin Nunez - muscle
The striker has missed the previous two games because of an issue. Nunez was spotted sprinting when celebrating van Dijk's winner at Wembley, which could bode well.
Potential return game: Southampton (H), Wednesday 28 February
Dominik Szoboszlai - hamstring
The midfielder has been absent for the past five games because of a hamstring injury. However, Szoboszlai did tell the Hungarian media that he thought he could have been involved in the Carabao Cup final but Liverpool did not risk him.
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Hide AdPotential return game: Southampton (H), Wednesday 28 February.
Wataru Endo - ankle
The Japan international delivered a herculean effort against Chelsea but was spotted wearing a protective boot leaving the stadium. It is only thought to be a knock but much will depend on how his body reacts.
Potential return game: Southampton (H), Wednesday 28 February.
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Hide AdRyan Gravenberch - ankle ligament
The summer signing from Bayern Munich was forced off in the first half at Wembley. Gravenberch has avoided a broken bone but it's difficult to see him being back in the next game or two.
Potential return game: N/A
Curtis Jones - ligament
The academy graduate had to come off in a 4-1 win at Brentford earlier this month. He might be back before the international break in March but no specific date has been given.
Potential return game: Everton (A), Sunday 17 March.
Diogo Jota - knee
The striker suffered a cruel blow when he was stretchered off at Brentford, having been in magnificent form. Jota is set to be unavailable for a couple of months.
Potential return game: N/A
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Hide AdAlisson Becker - hamstring
The No.1 goalkeeper is another who won't be back this side of the international break.
Potential return game: N/A.
Trent Alexander-Arnold - knee
Liverpool's vice-captain continues to be troubled by an issue he first felt in January. Alexander-Arnold is set for a few more weeks on the treatment table and won't be back for the crunch clash against Manchester City on 10 March.
Potential return game: April
Thiago Alcantara - muscle
The midfielder made his first appearance in nine months in a 3-1 loss against Arsenal earlier this month after a hip problem. But during a brief substitute cameo, Thiago sustained a fresh issue.
Potential return game: N/A.
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Hide AdJoel Matip - knee
The defender continues his recovery after having ACL surgery in December.
Potential return game: N/A.
Stefan Bajcetic - growing pains
Liverpool have been cautious with the 19-year-old midfielder given the nature of his problem. Bajcetic has played only twice this campaign, having played 19 times last term.
Potential return game: N/A.
The 18-year-old winger had knee surgery in December and is in rehab.
Potential return game: N/A.
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