Latest Liverpool injury news and expected return dates as the international break arrives. Two have withdrawn, but Luis Díaz has gone away with Colombia.

Colombia’s forward Luis Díaz (2nd-L) and midfielder James Rodriguez (R) are pictured with their teammates during a training session in Barranquilla, Colombia, on November 15, 2023, ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup South American qualification football matches against Brazil and Paraguay.

Liverpool just ran out of steam before the international break. Having worked wonders with an injury-ravaged squad for weeks, a trip to Old Trafford proved one step too far for Jürgen Klopp, whose quadruple dream died with an FA Cup quarter-final defeat.

It’s a tricky one to assess, because despite its problems, Liverpool did more than enough to win the game against Manchester United.

Luis Díaz is away from Liverpool representing Colombia after an injury concern against Manchester United. (Image: JUAN BARRETO/AFP via Getty Images)

But while the specifics of the match might not be directly attributable to injuries and fatigue, it has to be taken in the wider context — Klopp could not keep defying the realities of his packed treatment room forever.

In that sense, then, there is hope that this international break could actually be quite well-timed. It gives players time to recover without missing any more important Liverpool fixtures.

However, the trade-off is the risk that players could pick up further injuries on international duty. All Klopp can do now is cross his fingers in respect of those who have jetted off to join up with their national teams.

We’ll be keeping you updated over the next few days. For now, here’s how things stand on the Liverpool injury front.

Luis Díaz, Darwin Núñez and Cody Gakpo
Making matters worse in the defeat to Manchester United, Klopp confirmed after the game that three of his players — all forwards — had picked up injury concerns during the game. Luis Díaz, Darwin Núñez and Cody Gakpo all had complaints of some description come the end of extra time.

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Resultantly, Núñez has been withdrawn from the Uruguay squad for the upcoming internationals, joining Mohamed Salah in sitting out the March fixtures. However, there is optimism that it is no more than a precautionary measure.

Meanwhile, both Díaz and Gakpo have reported for national duty, with Colombia and the Netherlands respectively. While this clearly suggests the injuries were minor, Klopp will nonetheless be watching their involvement from behind the sofa.

Possible return dates: March 31 vs Brighton

Ibrahima Konaté
Ibrahima Konaté did not make it back in time for the game against Manchester United, having also missed the crunch Premier League meeting with Manchester City. That’s after he was forced off in the second leg against Sparta Prague, where Klopp fielded a surprisingly strong team.

However, the manager described a ‘race’ to be fit for the match at Old Trafford, with Konaté not far off fitness. Sure enough, he has been called up by France, and has been pictured in training, another situation Liverpool will monitor anxiously.

Possible return date: March 31 vs Brighton.

Trent Alexander-Arnold, Diogo Jota and Curtis Jones
Some of the longer-term absentees should be ready to return shortly after the international break. Curtis Jones was being watched closely by England before injury thwarted his chances of a maiden call-up, but he is expected back for Liverpool when domestic action returns.

Klopp has said that Trent Alexander-Arnold and Diogo Jota are about a week behind, provided there are no further setbacks. This would be another key trio to have back in the fold — with all potentially available for the rematch against Manchester United, this time in the league.

Possible return dates: March 31 vs Brighton for Jones, April 7 vs Manchester United for Jota and Alexander-Arnold.

Alisson
Alisson was conspicuous by his absence from Klopp’s latest fitness update. The Brazilian stopper was not mentioned in the group of Jones, Jota and Alexander-Arnold as a candidate for a rapid return after the internationals.

The manager has previously described the setback as ‘rather serious’, though he was adamant it would not end Alisson’s season. Fortunately, Caoimhín Kelleher has been deputizing admirably in the meantime

Possible return date: Unknown.

Stefan Bajčetić
In an exciting development, Stefan Bajčetić has returned to training. Klopp likened it to his personal ‘pre-season’ before he is ready to join the full group.

Naturally, Liverpool will be extremely cautious with reintegrating the youngster, who has been absent for the vast majority of the season after a breakthrough campaign last time out. With a maximum of 15 games left in this season, all of which will be of the utmost importance, he’s unlikely to get any significant minutes.

However, there’s no doubt that the return of Bajčetić will strengthen the squad. While there is no firm date, it doesn’t look far away.

Possible return date: Unknown.

Thiago, Joël Matip and Ben Doak
Having made his return from a season-long absence against Arsenal in January, Thiago suffered another setback. Klopp has admitted he does not know whether the Spaniard will play for Liverpool again.

As such, he returns to the list of long-term absentees. He’s in good company, with Joël Matip also potentially having played his last match for the Reds after suffering ligament damage in December.

Meanwhile, youngster Ben Doak has been sidelined for months already. Interestingly, he was left in the Europa League squad at the latest update while Matip was removed, suggesting the Scot has the better chance of returning to fitness before the end of the campaign.

Possible return dates: End of season or thereabouts.