Liverpool currently have eight first-team players sidelined through injury, with long-term absentee Ibrahima Konate among those expected to return sooner.
The Reds have found injuries to be a persistent problem throughout the campaign so far, which has no doubt contributed to their unpredictable form on the field.
However, a 2-1 win over Ajax last time out served as a morale boost, and a 17-day gap in matches has allowed several players valuable time to rest and recuperate.
That includes those on the treatment table, of which there are eight.
Here’s the latest on Liverpool’s injury situation, including expected return dates for the likes of Konate, Andy Robertson and Curtis Jones.
Kevin Kelleher
Injury: GroinOut since: July 4 Expected return: Early October
The last we’ve heard about Kelleher’s groin injury, spotted on the first day of pre-season and the subject of a split between Jurgen Klopp and the Republic of Ireland setup, is that “he’ll be back very soon”.
Kelleher missed the last Ireland team but has already been photographed for sessions at the AXA Training Center so can be considered imminently available.
Ibrahima Konate
Injury: KneeOut Since: Jul 31 Expected Return: Back vs. Brighton
Absent since the last pre-season friendly, Konate has undergone his rehabilitation both in Merseyside and in his native France, but is now back in training.
The 23-year-old could even make the matchday squad for Brighton’s visit on 1 October.
andy robertson
Injury: KneeOut Since: Sept 7 Expected Return: Early Oct
Robertson, one of Liverpool’s most used players this season, suffered a knee problem in the 4-1 loss to Napoli and was photographed wearing a brace shortly after.
He was subsequently left out of the Scotland squad to play Ukraine and the Republic of Ireland, but Klopp expects him to return “after the international break”.
However, the time frame for Robertson’s recovery is still flexible, with Kostas Tsimikas set to start against Brighton.
calvin ramsey
Injury: ReturnSince: July 4Expected return: October
Ramsay has also been out since the start of pre-season with various problems, most notably his back, but Klopp explained last month that he is “ever closer” to joining first-team training.
The Scottish right-back is already working away, so his involvement can be expected sometime in October.
naby keita
Injury: Thigh Out since: Aug 21 Expected return: Nov
Sickening with a thigh injury spotted in the closing days of the transfer window, amid ongoing speculation about a return to Germany, Keita has now missed over a month of action.
Called up by Guinea only to not join the squad, the midfielder is not likely to return until November, which could well mean he won’t be back in action before the World Cup.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Injury: Hamstring Out since: July 15 Expected return: November
Oxlade-Chamberlain is in the same situation as Keita, and Klopp said this month that the No. 15 could be involved “sometime in October” at the earliest.
It would not be a surprise if Oxlade-Chamberlain does not play football between now and the World Cup.
curtis jones
Injury: CalfOut since: early September Expected return: early October
Having yet to play for Liverpool since the Community Shield in July, Jones hopes he has ironed out his calf problems.
Reacting to stress, the 21-year-old recently took to Instagram to reveal that he’ll be “back soon”, which could even see him rejoin the team against Brighton.
Gordon Pedestal
Injury: Pelvis Out since: February Expected return: Unknown
The hope is that Gordon is close to returning to light training, having missed much of the last seven months due to various injuries, the last of which was a pelvic problem.
Recently, LFCTV commentator Steve Hunter explained that the club were being “careful” about the fitness of their No. 49, although the player himself will be looking for a return ahead of the League Cup clash with former club Derby. .
