Thiago, Alexander-Arnold, Alisson, Origi - Liverpool injury latest and expected return dates ahead of Arsenal

Liverpool face Arsenal in the Carabao Cup semi-finals on Thursday and will be hoping to have a couple of key players back.
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Liverpool welcome Arsenal to Anfield in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg on Thursday.

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However, a number of cases were false positives after testing.

As a result, Jurgen Klopp fielded the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Fabinho and Roberto Firmino for Liverpool’s 4-1 victory over Shrewsbury Town in the FA Cup third round last Sunday.

The Reds boss will likely play as strong a team as possible for the visit of Arsenal. The potential of a Wembley final is on the horizon.

Klopp did rest several of his key players against the Shrews, while it’s unclear if there were any further Covid cases in the Anfield camp.

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Here’s a look at the players who we know were absent - either injury or had been self-isolating - and if they’ll be available against the Gunners.

Thiago Alcantara

After contracting coronavirus last month, Thiago suffered a hip injury on his return to training.

In total, the Spain international has missed Liverpool’s past five games.

Klopp scotched rumours that Thiago will be absent for the rest of the season after the Shrewsbury win.

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However, there is no time frame on when the midfielder will be back.

Klopp said: “No, neither March nor the end of the season in my mind, It's something around the hip, that's the situation.

“He needs time now. He didn't train this week but we expect him to be back to do rehab stuff from tomorrow (Monday) on and then we will see.

“It is not that he is out until the end of the season, not at all.”

Potential return: N/A

Trent Alexander-Arnold

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Amid a number of false positive Covid cases last week, Alexander-Arnold was the only positive case.

Before the Shrewsbury game, Liverpool's official Twitter account said that the right-back was "expected to return to training in the coming days".

That suggests that Alexander-Arnold could be in the fray for the Arsenal game at Anfield.

Potential return: Arsenal, Thursday 13 January

Alisson Becker

The goalkeeper was one of three players who missed the 2-2 draw at Chelsea on 2 January.

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While Firmino and Joel Matip - who also were absent against Chelsea - were back against Shrewsbury, Alisson was left out.

It's unclear whether the Brazil international was still in isolation or given the afternoon off for the game.

Still, by the time Arsenal visit Merseyside, his isolation period will be over and should be between the posts.

Potential return: Arsenal, Thursday 13 January

Divock Origi

Divock Origi celebrates scoring against AC Milan. Picture: Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)Divock Origi celebrates scoring against AC Milan. Picture: Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Divock Origi celebrates scoring against AC Milan. Picture: Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

The striker's absence continues to remain somewhat of a mystery.

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Origi hasn't been seen since he scored the winner in Liverpool's 2-1 victory over AC Milan in the Champions League.

That was on 7 December, with Origi missing the Reds' previous seven matches.

Klopp will be desperate to get the Belgium international back with Mo Salah and Sadio Mane away at the African Cup of Nations.

Potential return: N/A

Nat Phillips

The centre-back could well have played his last game for Liverpool.

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Phillips also hasn't been seen since the Milan victory having fractured his cheekbone.

He's made only three appearances this season and likely would have featured against Shrewsbury.

Potential return: N/A

Harvey Elliott

Harvey Elliott of Liverpool during a rehabilitation session at AXA Training Centre. Picture: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty ImageHarvey Elliott of Liverpool during a rehabilitation session at AXA Training Centre. Picture: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Image
Harvey Elliott of Liverpool during a rehabilitation session at AXA Training Centre. Picture: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Image

It's sooner rather than later the teenage midfielder will be back to action.

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Liverpool will still be cautious, though, as Elliott recovers from a dislocated ankle that's kept him out since September.

Minutes for the under-23s and in-house matches could be important during the closing stages of his rehab period.

Potential return: N/A

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