Liverpool injury update: Alexis Mac Allister, Diogo Jota, Andy Robertson latest news and return dates

Liverpool injury update: Alexis Mac Allister, Diogo Jota, Andy Robertson latest news and return dates

Liverpool sit top of the table but there are still a number of injury concerns for Jurgen Klopp to deal with.

Having edged past Fulham after a late turnaround, Liverpool came from behind to beat Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, as Harvey Elliott's stoppage-time winner left them leading the way in the Premier League after Arsenal then fell to defeat against Aston Villa.

Klopp had Alisson back in goal against Palace, with the Brazilian recovering from injury, but Alexis Mac Allister and Diogo Jota were not fit to return for Liverpool.

Stefan Bajcetic and Thiago remain on the sidelines for the Reds too, while Andy Robertson continues his recovery after shoulder surgery.

Here's the latest on the Liverpool injury list...

Jurgen Klopp's side sit top of the Premier League (Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Jurgen Klopp's side sit top of the Premier League (Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Alexis Mac Allister

Alexis Mac Allister missed Liverpool's win over Crystal Palace after picking up a knee issue against Sheffield United.

The midfielder needed stitches on a cut before he was forced off at Bramall Lane and is not expected to be risked in the dead-rubber Europa League match against Union SG on Thursday, leaving him in a race to recover in time for Manchester United's visit on Sunday.

"Macca doesn't look good, so we have to see day by day," said Klopp ahead of the trip to Crystal Palace.

"They were pretty hopeful after the game that it was not serious. It's not that serious, but in the period of the year if you are out for five days, it's 12 games pretty much."

Potential return date: December 17, Premier League vs Manchester United

Diogo Jota

Diogo Jota has been out of action since the draw with Manchester City last month.

The forward has though been running outside as he continues his recovery from a muscle injury, and Klopp hinted about a timeline for Jota's return when asked how he would cope with Mohamed Salah's absence in January during the Africa Cup of Nations.

“No, I didn’t think about it to be honest and I can’t change it anyway,” Klopp said. “I have no real plans for it. It’s January, right? I hope Diogo is back then."

Potential return date: December 23, Premier League vs Arsenal

Diogo Jota is nearing a return from injury (Action Images via Reuters)
Diogo Jota is nearing a return from injury (Action Images via Reuters)

Andy Robertson

A shoulder injury picked up while on international duty in October has kept Andy Robertson on the sidelines in recent weeks.

The left-back was forced to undergo surgery after dislocating his shoulder playing for Scotland and it was reported at the time that he would be out for up to three months.

“I’ve not looked that far ahead yet [to a possible return date]," Robertson said last month. "I’m just trying to take it week by week.

“I don’t want to put a game in mind and then I don’t make it or I come back before then. I’m just taking it slowly but surely just now, and then there’ll be a time to start pushing it – and when that comes, I’ll try to get on the pitch as quickly as I can.”

Potential return date: January 2024

Andy Robertson dislocated his shoulder in October (REUTERS)
Andy Robertson dislocated his shoulder in October (REUTERS)

Joel Matip

Joel Matip is set to miss the rest of the season after rupturing his ACL.

With the defender out of contract in June, there is a chance he has played his final game for Liverpool as he undergoes surgery and begins a long road to recovery.

However, Klopp has insisted the club will "show their class" and believes Matip deserves a new deal, suggesting he could still have a future at the club.

Potential return date: Unknown

Thiago

Liverpool fans will have to wait until 2024 to see Thiago back in action.

The midfielder had surgery in April and continues to battle a hip injury, with the issue preventing him from playing a single minute of football so far this season.

He has suffered a couple of setbacks in his recovery, and Klopp revealed the midfielder is unlikely to return until next year.

The Liverpool said: "It's an ongoing thing and we cannot put any kind of pressure on there as well. We expect him to be back - and I would say probably the start of the new year."

Potential return date: January 2024

Liverpool hope to have Thiago back early next year (Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Liverpool hope to have Thiago back early next year (Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Stefan Bajcetic

Like Thiago, it has been a frustrating campaign for Stefan Bajcetic, though the teenager has at least been able to play this season.

The midfielder started in the Europa League against LASK and then featured in the Carabao Cup win over Leicester, but he has been out of action since September.

No timeframe has been given on his return, with Bajcetic also seemingly unlikely to play again this year.

Potential return date: January 2024