Liverpool without 3 players vs Man City as Jurgen Klopp issues injury updates

24 November 2023 , 14:08

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Liverpool without 3 players vs Man City as Jurgen Klopp issues injury updates

Liverpool have enjoyed a fine start to the season, but their title credentials will be given a stern test when they travel to Manchester City in Saturday's lunchtime fixture.

While the mouthwatering clash will go down a storm with the neutrals, it represents another issue for Reds boss Jurgen Klopp, who has not been shy in voicing his opinions on participating in the weekend's early kickoff straight after an international break.

There were question marks over Liverpool's South American quartet - Alexis Mac Allister, Alisson Becker, Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez - after they competed in World Cup qualifiers on Wednesday night, but they were flown back into the country via private jet. Other injured stars have been training back on Merseyside, too, so Mirror Football takes a look at how the land lies at Anfield ahead of the weekend...

Ibrahima Konate

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Ibrahima Konate is available for Liverpool's trip to Manchester City (Getty Images)

Konate was ruled out of the France squad with a hamstring issue after missing the 3-0 win over Brentford prior to the international break but has trained over the last fortnight.

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A clip of Konate participating in training which was shared on social media earlier this week sent fans into a frenzy and it seems highly likely he will be thrust into action given the magnitude of Saturday's match.

Curtis Jones

Curtis Jones is also in contention to make his return from injury at the Etihad (MB Media/Getty Images)

After establishing himself as a regular towards the end of the 2022/23 campaign, Jones made a strong start to the new season before he was forced to serve a three-match ban in the wake of his sending off against Tottenham.

That suspension, coupled with a hamstring problem picked up in the League Cup, has seen the Reds academy graduate miss Liverpool's last five league games.

Like others, though, Jones has been training throughout the international break and will be ready if called upon by Klopp for Saturday's seismic showdown.

Ryan Gravenberch

Gravenberch has sat out Liverpool's last two matches after picking up a knee injury in training. It was made clear at the time that the issue wasn't serious, and the Dutchman is set to be available for Saturday's match.

Like Konate and Jones, he was present at the AXA Training Centre in Kirby on Thursday ahead of the weekend and gives Klopp another midfield options to choose from.

Andy Robertson

Andy Robertson is expected to be out until the New Year after undergoing surgey for a dislocated shoulder (PA)

Klopp confirmed only the long-term absentees would miss Saturday's clash. That list unfortunately starts with Liverpool's flying left-back, who sustained a dislocated shoulder on international duty with Scotland last month and is not expected back until the New Year after undergoing surgery.

Klopp said of Robertson at the end of October: "Robbo had surgery and [it] all went well, as good as it could be, so the recovery starts after he wakes up. I think it happened this morning. That’s it. We don’t know how long it will take or whatever, but the first step is done, that’s good."

Thiago Alcantara

Thiago Alcantara is no closer to a comeback

Much like Roberton, Thiago is one of the long-term absentees who will not make the trip to the Etihad this weekend. The Brazilian playmaker has been struggling with an ongoing hip issue and is not expected back this side of Christmas.

Klopp said earlier this month: "Thiago is an ongoing thing. We cannot put any pressure in there as well. But we expect him to be back, I would probably say start of the New Year."

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Stefan Bajcetic

Bajcetic's breakthrough campaign was halted early by an adductor injury back in March and is still seemingly not on the verge of a return to action. He is one of the three who will definitely miss out against Manchester City.

Dan Marsh