On Sunday, Liverpool returns to action after the last international break with a home game with Brighton. Jürgen Klopp is yet to beat Roberto De Zerbi but will hope that his men can kick off the resumption of club football with a win.
These are Klopp's final weeks in the Liverpool job, and the 56-year-old will want to leave on the highest note possible. With Arsenal and Manchester City both still in the title race along with Liverpool, every game is important and every result counts. The Reds getting all three points against Brighton is imperative.
Going into the international break, the extent of Liverpool's treatment room was slightly shrinking, with players returning to the field. Thankfully the international break has been kind to Klopp and only Andy Robertson returned with an issue, that thankfully is not as bad as first feared.
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Klopp still has long-term casualties to contend with, though, and it remains to be seen exactly who comes back into the fold for Sunday's game at Anfield. Here is the latest on the status of those players, and when they might be back in action. With 10 Premier League matches of the campaign left to play, getting as many bodies back as possible could be decisive.
Darwin Núñez
The Uruguayan striker pulled out of his country's two international friendlies due to a hamstring issue suffered following Liverpool's 4-3 FA Cup quarter-final loss to Manchester United. But Klopp has confirmed that Núñez is fit and ready for the game against Brighton.
Speaking of the 24-year-old in his press conference ahead of the Brighton game, Klopp said: “He did his rehab during the week, trained the first day partially since we are back partially and since then he is in full training." Return date: Brighton, March 31.
Curtis Jones and Ibrahima Konaté
Liverpool had originally hoped to get Jones back in action after the international break, but in his pre-game press conference against Brighton, Klopp confirmed that Jones won't necessarily be available for the game. "Curtis, I'm not sure if he is available, but he's back in training," said Klopp. Jones hasn't played since the win against Brentford on February 17.
Konaté, meanwhile, will be in contention against Brighton. "Ibou was an extra rest day, nothing else," said Klopp, affirming that the Frenchman is fit and ready to play on Sunday. Possible return dates: Konaté is ready for Brighton but Jones may have to return against Sheffield United on April 4.
Andy Robertson and Alisson Becker
Alisson hasn't played since February after suffering a serious hamstring injury, and Klopp stated in his press conference ahead of Brighton that he won't be seen on the pitch until towards the end of April. Therefore Caoimhín Kelleher will continue to deputize in goal.
However, Klopp was more optimistic about Robertson. Although he didn't train with the squad on Friday, he may not be out for as long as first feared when he went down. "[Andy] Robertson will take it a little bit day-by-day. He will not train today [Friday] but it's not as bad [as first thought]" said Klopp about the Scottish left-back. Possible return dates: Alisson towards the end of April, Robertson potentially sooner.
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Diogo Jota
Jota and Alexander-Arnold are nearing a return and should be back at some point in April. Alexander-Arnold is close to a return to training, reports The Athletic, but Liverpool isn't rushing him back after a season blighted by injury. Liverpool will likely opt to take the slow approach with the right-back, but a return date during April has been penciled in.
Meanwhile, Jota has been sidelined since the 4-1 win away to Brentford in February. He is not thought to be too far away but, again like Alexander-Arnold, a return at some point in April seems to be the general consensus. Possible return dates: Some point in April for both Alexander-Arnold and Jota.
Joël Matip and Stefan Bajčetić
At least according to one fan, Matip has taken a major step in his recovery from the ACL injury suffered against Fulham in December. It had appeared that he had played his last game for the club, with his contract up this summer. But the Daily Mail reported this week that Klopp told fans during an training session that Matip was out running on the grass for the first time, which means he could play at least one more time for the Reds, although he is facing a race against time.
Bajčetić has had a very frustrating season, playing just twice after his success last season. Klopp revealed before the international break that he was undergoing his own pre-season to ensure he is ready to join the group. An exact return date still remains unknown but he will play again this season. He will train with the U21s next week. Possible return dates: Unknown.
Thiago Alcântara and Ben Doak
Both Thiago and Doak haven't been seen for the majority of the campaign. Thiago's contract is up this summer, and in all likelihood, he has played his last game in a red shirt. His return to the field this season lasted all of one game, coming on in the defeat to Arsenal but he suffered another setback and hasn't been seen since. Klopp has admitted he's unsure if he will play again this season.
Doak was forced to undergo surgery on a knee problem back in December. He is yet to feature since and that has all but ended his hopes of making Scotland's squad for Euro 2024. He did however keep his place in Liverpool's Europa League squad for the knockout stages but a return date still remains uncertain, with only six weeks of the season left. Possible return dates: Next season for Thiago and late in the campaign, if at all, for Doak.