Liverpool injury updates and expected return dates for Alexander-Arnold, Alisson, Jota, Harvey Elliott, and Federico Chiesa ahead of the match against Southampton…

Liverpool Injury Update: Alexander-Arnold, Alisson, Jota and Return Dates Ahead of Southampton Match

Current injury news and projected return dates for Liverpool’s Alexander-Arnold, Alisson, Jota, Harvey Elliott, and Federico Chiesa prior to the upcoming match with Southampton.

As Liverpool prepares for their upcoming match against Southampton, currently at the bottom of the Premier League, the club is closely monitoring the injury situation following the international break.

The Reds recently secured a 2-0 victory over Aston Villa at Anfield, extending their lead at the top of the Premier League by five points.

However, this win came with a significant concern as Trent Alexander-Arnold exited the match in the 25th minute due to an unspecified injury, casting doubt on his availability for England’s UEFA Nations League fixtures against the Republic of Ireland and Greece.

His early departure was the only downside on a night when Liverpool capitalized on Manchester City’s fourth consecutive defeat across all competitions.

Under the guidance of new head coach Arne Slot, Liverpool has achieved 15 wins in 17 matches, and they are optimistic about maintaining their momentum when they face Southampton on Sunday, November 24.

While Slot and the players not involved in international duty will enjoy a brief respite, the coach is undoubtedly anxious about the fitness of Alexander-Arnold and is awaiting updates on four other key first-team players currently sidelined.

Here’s the latest on the injury front for Liverpool:

Trent Alexander-Arnold

Injury: Undisclosed

Slot has expressed skepticism regarding Alexander-Arnold’s participation with the England squad during the international break.

After the match against Villa, he noted that it is premature to determine the duration of his vice-captain’s absence.

He commented, “It’s challenging to assess the severity at this point.

However, it is always a serious concern when a player is substituted in the first half. It’s not that I wanted to take him off; he requested the substitution because he felt something.”

This is not an encouraging indication. It is often challenging to provide a precise assessment immediately following the match, but we will have to wait for further updates.

I would be surprised if he participates in the England national team this week, although I remain hopeful.

Possible return date: Unknown

Alisson Becker

Injury: Hamstring

Liverpool’s first-choice goalkeeper, Alisson Becker, has been sidelined since the 1-0 win against Crystal Palace on October 5. Initially, it was indicated that his hamstring injury would keep him out for at least six weeks.

If that timeline holds, he could return after the international break.

However, Slot has been cautious in his updates, stating prior to the 2-1 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend that he could not provide a definitive timeline for Alisson or Diogo Jota’s return.

He remarked, “As I have mentioned several times, it is always difficult to determine exactly when they will be ready.

“Particularly in the final stages of recovery, the timeline can vary by a few days.”

Despite this, Alisson was present for the win against Aston Villa, and Slot confirmed that the Brazilian will reclaim his position as the starting goalkeeper once he is fit, even with Caoimhin Kelleher performing exceptionally well in his absence.

Slot stated, “First and foremost, Alisson needs to regain his fitness. I have consistently maintained that Alisson is our first-choice goalkeeper when fit.

“He must first achieve full fitness.

“Caoimh has performed remarkably well, both last season and this one, but the moment Alisson is fit, he will return as our first goalkeeper.”

Possible return date: Southampton (A), Premier League, November 24

Diogo Jota

Injury: Upper body

Jota sustained an injury early in the match against Chelsea on October 20 when he was brought down near the halfway line by Tosin Adarabioyo.

This incident bore similarities to the one that led to William Saliba’s red card for Arsenal during their 2-0 loss to Bournemouth the night before.

However, referee John Brooks controversially issued only a yellow card to the Chelsea defender, despite him being the last man.

Since that match, the striker has not featured, and during a press conference on Friday, Slot expressed concerns about Jota’s availability for the crucial upcoming fixtures against Real Madrid in the Champions League and Manchester City in the Premier League following the international break.

Slot stated, “We anticipate his return after the international break. Following that, there are six or seven months left in the season! He should be back one or two weeks post-international break.”

Potential return date: Newcastle United (A), Premier League, December 4.

Federico Chiesa

Injury: Undisclosed

Federico Chiesa has been sidelined for the last nine matches due to an unspecified injury. However, there is optimism regarding his return after the international break.

Slot commented on Friday regarding the summer signing: “I wouldn’t describe it as a concern, but it’s certainly not ideal for him or for us.

With Diogo’s injury, we currently have only four attackers available, making this a missed opportunity for him to gain more playing time.”

He added, “It’s challenging for a player who has missed pre-season games and training sessions to reach the required intensity levels.

“We are working to find the right balance to help him get to where we want him to be.”

“Once he achieves that physical condition, we will benefit from his presence. At this point, we expect him to return during the international break, and he should be with us afterward.”

Possible return date: Southampton (A), Premier League, November 24

Harvey Elliott

Injury: Foot

Harvey Elliott has been sidelined since early September due to a fractured foot sustained while representing the England Under-21 team.

The match against Chelsea was anticipated as a potential date for his return, and the player himself suggested he was nearing full fitness through a social media update.

However, he did not participate in the match, and Liverpool is committed to ensuring that the 21-year-old does not rush back into play.

Elliott has resumed training on the pitch at the AXA Training Centre but has not yet rejoined full first-team training.

Possible return date: Unknown