Liverpool Injury Update: Latest on Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joe Gomez and More | OneFootball

Liverpool Injury Update: Four Concerns Ahead of Merseyside Derby Against Everton

The stakes are always high when Liverpool and Everton clash in the Merseyside Derby, but this week’s encounter carries added significance. Scheduled for 19:30 GMT on Wednesday, this will be the final derby at Goodison Park before Everton relocates to their new stadium. However, Liverpool’s preparations are clouded by injury concerns, with up to four players potentially sidelined.

Liverpool’s Title Chase Amid Injury Woes

Liverpool enter the derby after a shock 1-0 FA Cup fourth-round defeat to Plymouth Argyle, a match where manager Arne Slot opted for heavy squad rotation. This loss marked the Reds’ fourth defeat in all competitions this season and dashed Slot’s hopes of achieving an unprecedented quadruple. Nevertheless, their Premier League ambitions remain intact. A win against Everton would see Liverpool extend their lead at the top of the table to nine points.

Photo: IMAGO

The Reds have regained form in the league, following back-to-back draws against Manchester United and Nottingham Forest with three consecutive victories, including two clean sheets. These results contribute to an impressive 19-match unbeaten league streak (W14, D5). Despite the FA Cup setback, Liverpool will be optimistic about extending this run, especially with key players rested midweek.

Joe Gomez Injury Casts Defensive Doubts

One of the primary concerns for Slot is the fitness of Joe Gomez. The defender, who captained the side against Plymouth, was making his first appearance since December 29 after recovering from a hamstring issue. Unfortunately, Gomez experienced discomfort early in the match and was substituted for Isaac Mabaya.

Slot provided limited information post-match, stating:

“I am not too sure,” he admitted. “I am not too sure if it was the same leg, but I haven’t had time to ask him. It was clear. I think we all know which moment he felt a bit insecure about [it] because he didn’t sprint back fully.

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“Then he said, ‘I am not 100 per cent sure, and I am afraid if I make one extra sprint, things will go wrong.’ It’s not torn, I assume, but it didn’t feel good for him.”

Slot is expected to offer more clarity on Gomez’s condition in his pre-match press conference.

Curtis Jones’ Ongoing Struggles

Curtis Jones has endured a difficult spell with injuries. After picking up a knock in Liverpool’s Champions League win over Lille last month, he managed to feature in the Carabao Cup victory over Tottenham, playing 72 minutes. However, Jones appears not to have fully recovered.

Slot revealed that Jones was named on the bench against Plymouth but chose not to participate:

“That was a bit of a blow because Curtis Jones was on the bench, but he came to me this morning and said, ‘I don’t think I am fully recovered yet’ as well after the training session of yesterday.”

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“That all of a sudden led to the fact we were with a few more youngsters on the pitch than was the idea before the game, but still, there was enough quality on the pitch to get a better result than this.”

Jones remains a doubt for the derby, and his absence would be a significant blow to Liverpool’s midfield options.

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Return Still Uncertain

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s fitness is another concern for Liverpool. The right-back sustained an injury during the Reds’ 2-0 win over Bournemouth on February 1st. While reports suggested the injury wasn’t severe, Alexander-Arnold missed both the Carabao Cup win over Tottenham and the FA Cup defeat to Plymouth.

Slot’s decision not to include Connor Bradley in the FA Cup squad hints that Alexander-Arnold may still be recovering. It remains unclear if he will be fit for Wednesday’s derby, but his absence would leave a noticeable gap in Liverpool’s defensive and offensive play.

Photo: IMAGO

Tyler Morton Ruled Out for Derby

Tyler Morton is confirmed to miss the derby after sustaining a shoulder injury last week. Slot confirmed the midfielder’s absence in his pre-Plymouth press conference:

“Morton is out with an injury for a while, so that means he was maybe our sixth midfielder and James is taking that position now, so it’s him doing well and the injury to Morton.”

“Morton injury…am I allowed to say? It’s his shoulder. Four weeks or longer.”

Morton’s injury is a setback, especially considering the interest from Middlesbrough during the last transfer window. His absence reduces Liverpool’s midfield depth, adding to the club’s growing injury list.

Crucial Clash with High Stakes

As Liverpool prepare to face Everton in what promises to be an emotionally charged final derby at Goodison Park, Slot must navigate these injury challenges carefully. While Liverpool’s title aspirations remain strong, the absence of key players like Gomez, Jones, Alexander-Arnold, and Morton could test the squad’s depth.

Everton, eager to spoil Liverpool’s title charge and mark their final Goodison Park derby with a memorable result, will be looking to capitalise on these vulnerabilities. With the Premier League title race heating up, every point counts, and Liverpool will need to dig deep to maintain their momentum.