Liverpool await clarity on return dates for injured midfield trio | OneFootball

Liverpool Injury Update Ahead of Atletico Clash as Key Trio Assessed

Mixed News on Fitness Front

Liverpool head into their Champions League opener against Atletico Madrid with several fitness questions hanging over the squad. The 1-0 win at Burnley, sealed by a 94th-minute Mohamed Salah penalty, provided relief in terms of results but raised new concerns about player availability.

Photo: IMAGO

Supporters were particularly surprised to see Alexander Isak absent from the matchday squad, delaying his highly anticipated debut. Further worries came as Alexis Mac Allister was withdrawn after a heavy challenge, leaving Anfield anxious about the midfield options available to Arne Slot in midweek.

Alexis Mac Allister Latest

Mac Allister’s withdrawal was one of the main talking points from Turf Moor. The Argentine required treatment following a strong tackle from Lesley Ugochukwu, who was later dismissed. There were fears the midfielder had suffered a setback after a summer disrupted by injuries, but Slot moved quickly to ease those concerns.

Photo: IMAGO

He explained: “I had already made one substitution in the first half, so if I then take him off at 60 minutes that would be my second one. If I then want to make [another on] 75 then in the end I can do nothing anymore.

Photo IMAGO

“So, that combined with the fact the tackle was a tackle he felt, and I am not surprised by the fact he felt that tackle, by the way, it was a combination of both. He said it was fine and good enough to go on, although he limped a lot.”

His potential return date is set for September 17 when Atletico visit Anfield, giving Slot hope of having his World Cup winner available.

Alexander Isak Nearing Debut

Liverpool’s record signing Isak is also being carefully managed after missing most of Newcastle’s pre-season before his transfer. Speaking ahead of the Burnley fixture, Slot said: “As everybody knew, he did not have any team training at Newcastle, then went to the national team and only played there for 15-20 minutes.

“We think, with a week when we played three games in seven days, this is the best lead-up for him to be available against Atletico Madrid.”

His absence was tactical rather than medical, and his debut is expected to come under the lights in Europe this week.

Curtis Jones Recovery Ongoing

Curtis Jones sat out the Burnley match having picked up a knock in the final game before the international break. Slot confirmed: “Curtis Jones, of course, I don’t know if you knew, but he got injured in the last game, so he will not be available for the game against Burnley.”

Although no firm return date has been given, it is not thought to be a long-term issue. Jones could be in contention before the end of the month.

Liverpool will hope that all three players are fit enough to feature soon, with a demanding schedule ahead that includes the Merseyside derby and back-to-back Champions League fixtures.