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Liverpool injury update as Jurgen Klopp favourite 'confident' of returning for key game
Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp are set for a very welcomed injury boost in their Premier League run-in.
Liverpool star Trent Alexander Arnold is reportedly confident that he will return from injury in time for the Reds’ crucial Premier League clash with Manchester United on April 7. The right-back has been out of action after suffering a reoccurrence of a knee ligament issue, with Conor Bradley ably deputising in his absence.
The Mirror claim that as Alexander-Arnold continues his rehabilitation at the club’s training ground during the international break, he is growing in the belief that he can return sooner rather than later. He is targeting next month’s trip to Old Trafford as a realistic comeback date.
There is a chance that the 25-year-old could make his return three days earlier when Sheffield United travel to Anfield, but Liverpool are unlikely to take any risks over his fitness ahead of a crucial period of games.
Bradley is set to continue at right-back for home games against Brighton and Chris Wilder’s outfit after the international break, as Alexander-Arnold works behind the scenes while the majority of his team-mates are on international duty.
Getting Alexander-Arnold back on the pitch continues Liverpool’s attempts to cut down their lengthy injury list. They are monitoring fitness concerns for as many as 12 players over the break, including their star right-back.
Darwin Nunez pulled out of the Uruguay squad after picking up an injury in Liverpool’s FA Cup extra-time defeat to United, with the national team citing “physical issues” as the reason for his withdrawal. He is certainly a doubt for Brighton’s visit to Anfield.
Curtis Jones, however, could make his return against the Seagulls after a sprained ankle. Jurgen Klopp confirmed that he should have the midfielder back available after the international break.
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The German boss confirmed issues for Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo after exiting the FA Cup, but both players have since linked up with their respective national teams and any injuries appear to be minor.
Ibrahima Konate has missed Liverpool’s last three games with an injury picked up in the Europa League drubbing of Sparta Praha. Though he has now joined up with the France squad for matches against Germany and Chile and should he come through them, can rejoin Virgil van Dijk in the heart of the defence.
Diogo Jota is thought to be on the same trajectory as Alexander-Arnold, with the possibility of returning against United next month, but with doubts over the majority of Klopp’s forwards he is unlikely to risk bringing the Portuguese star back before he is ready.
Goalkeeper Alisson, Thiago, Stefan Bajcetic, Joel Matip and Ben Doak continue to remain sidelined as they work on their respective injuries.