Liverpool braced for anxious wait on multiple injury returns | OneFootball

Liverpool Injury Update: Key Return Dates as Premier League Run-In Looms

As the international break draws to a close, Liverpool find themselves at a pivotal juncture. The title is within reach, silverware still a real possibility, and yet, the club’s progress remains delicately balanced on the fitness of key personnel. Injuries have cast an unmistakable shadow over Anfield’s ambitions, even as Arne Slot continues to orchestrate a campaign that has defied expectation in many quarters.

Photo: IMAGO

The Reds entered the break sitting 12 points clear at the Premier League summit, and with only nine games remaining, the finish line is now visible. Yet the uncertainty surrounding the return of crucial figures like Alisson Becker, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ryan Gravenberch poses pressing questions for Liverpool’s title charge. As always, timing is everything. Here is the latest on Liverpool’s injury situation, with return dates and medical insights as the run-in approaches.

Alisson undergoes concussion tests after Brazil scare

Liverpool’s No.1 has been a calming, commanding presence this season – but a worrying head injury while on duty with Brazil has clouded his immediate future. Alisson Becker collided heavily with Colombia’s Davinson Sánchez during a World Cup qualifier, leading to fears of concussion. He was withdrawn immediately and returned to Liverpool for further evaluation.

Photo IMAGO

Brazil’s team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar provided a detailed injury update:“Alisson suffered a head injury and was replaced due to a suspected concussion,” he confirmed.“We will now follow the CBF protocol, and he will undergo the recommended imaging tests, a CT scan and then a diffusion MRI. If all the tests are normal, we will proceed and perform a cognitive test. Then we will evaluate the player.”

Crucially, Lasmar added:“He is normal, without any complaints. He did not report any fainting or memory loss.”

Alisson later reassured supporters via social media:“Hey guys, just to let you know I’m fine! Just have to follow the protocols! Thanks for the messages.”

With concussion protocols typically requiring a cautious approach, his return date remains uncertain. Should he pass all tests, a Merseyside derby return on 2 April remains a possibility, but no definitive timeline has been set.

Potential return date: Unknown pending assessment – potentially 2 April vs Everton (H)

Gravenberch setback adds to midfield concerns

Ryan Gravenberch’s knock may have flown under the radar initially, but the Dutch midfielder’s exit from Netherlands duty suggests something more than a routine strain. The 22-year-old featured in the Carabao Cup final defeat to Newcastle, but was substituted late on for Federico Chiesa. Though he travelled to meet up with the national team, he didn’t last long in camp.

Photo: IMAGO

A statement from the Dutch FA confirmed:“Ryan Gravenberch has left the Oranje’s training camp this evening. The midfielder is still suffering from an injury sustained over the weekend that prevents him from playing in the matches against Spain. Take care, Ryan!”

The precise nature of the injury has not been disclosed, and much like Alisson, his involvement in the derby remains contingent on further assessments. Slot will be keen to have his driving midfield presence back, especially given the absence of key options elsewhere.

Potential return date: Unknown pending assessment – potentially 2 April vs Everton (H)

Alexander-Arnold’s timing crucial in defensive rebuild

The injury absence of Trent Alexander-Arnold is as frustrating as it is untimely. The vice-captain sustained an ankle injury during the dramatic Champions League exit to PSG and missed the Carabao Cup final as a result.

Slot, speaking prior to that Wembley showdown, suggested a cautious optimism.“So, Trent is indeed not available,” he said.“He will not be there at the final. But he is still to be assessed for how long it’s going to take but we do expect him back in the end of the season.”

Photo: IMAGO

Without Trent, Liverpool’s right side has been significantly less dynamic. His ability to dictate tempo and unlock defences from deep is integral to the team’s identity. The question now is whether his return will come in time to influence the closing stages of the title race.

Potential return date: Unknown

Positive signs from Elliott, but Bradley and Gomez remain long-term absentees

Not all the updates are clouded in uncertainty. Harvey Elliott’s limp post-Wembley caused brief alarm, but the midfielder has since featured for England Under-21s against both France and Portugal, confirming his fitness.

Photo IMAGO

Potential return date: 2 April vs Everton (H)

Conor Bradley, however, continues his recovery from a hamstring issue picked up during February’s draw at Villa Park. Slot previously commented:“I cannot tell exactly how many [weeks], but it is clear that he went off with a muscle injury and that it is going to take a while before he is back.”

Photo: IMAGO

With Northern Ireland omitting Bradley from their recent friendlies, April remains the earliest realistic target for his return.

Potential return date: April 2025

Further compounding Liverpool’s full-back issues, Joe Gomez is also sidelined long-term. A recurrence of his hamstring injury after just 10 minutes against Plymouth led to surgery. Slot was blunt in his assessment:“A long time [out],” though he noted Gomez might return in May.

Photo: IMAGO

Potential return date: May 2025

Youngster Tyler Morton is also working his way back from a shoulder operation and faces a race against time to feature again this season.

Potential return date: May 2025

Slot’s title hopes rest on who returns – and when

This Liverpool side has made a habit of finding answers in the face of adversity. But as the fixtures tighten and every point becomes increasingly vital, the availability of Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, and Gravenberch could define whether the Premier League crown is claimed with ease – or fought for until the very end.

Slot will be desperate to manage workloads and minutes wisely, with squad depth already stretched. And while the international break has offered time for healing, it’s clear that Liverpool’s injury narrative still carries as much drama as any title run-in.