Expected return dates for Joel Matip, Diogo Jota, and Alexis Mac Allister from Liverpool’s injury list

When Liverpool plays Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday, a handful of players may be sidelined.

Up to seven players might be sidelined for Liverpool on Saturday when they play Crystal Palace.

The Reds are coming to Selhurst Park fresh off a 2-0 triumph at Bramall Lane over Sheffield United. The victory on Wednesday night was marred, though, by Jurgen Klopp’s announcement that Joel Matip is unlikely to play again this season due to an anterior cruciate ligament rupture.

Alongside Alisson Becker, Stefan Bajcetic, Thiago Alcantara, Diogo Jota, and Andy Robertson on the sidelines is the Cameroonian. Alexis Mac Allister, who was forced to retire from the Bramall Lane game on Wednesday night due to an injury, could not be able to make the trip to the capital.

And these are the possible return dates for the Reds’ injured players with six more games in December.

Joel Matip

Three days after Matip was substituted out of Sunday’s match against Fulham in the second half, Klopp announced at Bramall Lane that the player had suffered an ACL tear and would require a lengthy recovery period.

Speaking to reporters, Klopp stated, “Unfortunately, I anticipated that it would be an ACL rupture from the outset. That was how everything appeared. Very regrettable.”

Ibrahima Konate was limited to bench appearances in recent weeks prior to Ibrahima Konate’s injury, although Matip, 32, has been excellent for the Reds this season.

Unfortunately for the defender, his contract expires at the end of June, and it is unknown if he will play for the team again, as ACL injuries usually need nine months on the sidelines.

Potential return date: Unknown

Alexis Mac Allister

Following an early hit to the knee, Mac Allister was replaced after about 60 minutes of Wednesday’s victory at Bramall Lane.

But the Argentine took to Instagram following the game to reassure fans that he was okay and that the wounds he received simply needed sutures. “Everything’s fine,” he stated. I’ll be fine soon, but I need some sutures. We continue. Liverpool, hurry up.”

Mac Allister, however, might be left out of the starting lineup as a precaution because Liverpool has to make a rapid turnaround in order to make their trip to Selhurst Park.

During his Friday afternoon press conference, Klopp downplayed the likelihood of the 24-year-old returning to the starting lineup right away. “We have to see day by day because Macca doesn’t look good,” he stated. After the game, they were reasonably optimistic that it wasn’t serious. It’s not too bad, but if you miss five days during the year, you basically miss 12 games. We’ll have to wait and see how he turns up today. It’s pretty much stop and go because I don’t think he’ll be ready for tomorrow, and I’m not sure about Thursday or Sunday after that. We must observe.”

Potential return date: December 23

Diogo Jota

Jota will be hoping to demonstrate his fitness in front of the Manchester United match the following week.

Since being replaced against Manchester City on November 25 due to a muscle ailment, the forward has not appeared in any games.

But before the trip to Selhurst Park on Saturday, he was able to return to the grass earlier this week and participate in team training.

Potential return date: December 14-17

Alisson Becker

Alisson is back in training with the first squad and might be available for Saturday’s trip to Crystal Palace.

The Brazilian custodian hasn’t featured for the Reds since the draw with Manchester City last month, when he seemed to strain his thigh during a late clearance effort.

Caoimhin Kelleher has started the Reds’ last three games across all competitions while he has been out, and he is scheduled to play their upcoming match against Crystal Palace on Saturday.

On Friday morning, Klopp gave reporters an update on Alisson, saying, “Alisson looks good, I don’t know if good enough now for tomorrow [against Crystal Palace].” I must confirm that with Ali, of course, as well as the coaches and the medical staff.”

Potential return date: December 9

Andy Robertson, Stefan Bajcetic, Thiago Alcantara:

That means that Robertson, Bajcetic, and Thiago—Liverpool’s three long-term absentees—will probably not play again until January 2024.

“Nothing [has] changed,” stated the Liverpool manager in a statement on December 1. He needs time, like we stated, and we will give it to him. It’s that simple. He is still a great guy who tries hard to come back, and [we] see him every day.”

Finally, Klopp has declined to provide a timeframe for when we might see 19-year-old Bajcetic return to action due to his developing problems.