Before Liverpool’s matches at Anfield against West Ham United and Arsenal, Pep Lijnders has given an update on injuries. Tomorrow, the Reds take on the Hammers in the Carabao Cup quarterfinals. Three days later, they play the Gunners in a Premier League top-of-the-table match.
Liverpool injury news given by Lijnders ahead of games against West Ham and Arsenal
Due to a hamstring injury, Ryan Gravenberch was forced to leave last weekend’s 0-0 draw against Manchester United. It implies that he might be available for Arsenal but unlikely for West Ham. “We thought there was really something,” assistant manager Lijnders stated. “because he came off during the game and you saw immediately what that did to the team as well, he was playing really well.” He plays unbelievable, especially against these man-marking sides. However, a scan revealed that the only condition he had was DOMS, or fatigue, so that’s a huge plus. Hopefully, he will train today; let’s see how he does. Naturally, that’s a warning sign, so we need to exercise caution. That’s a good one, then.
Lijnders added: “If a player is fatigued and coming off, there is no muscle tear. There’s nothing in the muscle but the muscle is fatigued but we have to be careful. Hopefully, he can train today, we have to judge it but especially he has to judge it himself. I can’t see why he wouldn’t be available for the next week. Let’s see, the games come quick.”
Alexis Mac Allister sustained a nasty cut to his knee during a 2-0 victory over Sheffield United earlier this month, which forced him to miss the previous three games. The midfield player is unlikely to return for West Ham or Arsenal, and Liverpool may not see him play until the new year. Lijnders continued,” Alexis has left. We miss him as a player. There are moments when it seems hurried, he plays very subdued, and we miss a few boys. It will continue into the new year with Wata (Endo) stepping up, Ryan, Curtis (Jones), Harvey (Elliott), and Dom (Szoboszlai). We play on January 1st, so that might be possible, so let’s see.“
Joel Matip might not play again this season following surgery for an ACL rupture. While Andy Robertson (shoulder), Thiago Alcantara (hip), and Stefan Bajcetic (calf) are still in sideline.
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