Wataru Endo, Mohamed Salah, and Ryan Gravenberch: Liverpool injury updates and anticipated return dates

Wataru Endo, Mohamed Salah, and Ryan Gravenberch: Liverpool injury updates and anticipated return dates

Following Liverpool’s victory over Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final, Jurgen Klopp is keeping an eye on injuries to Wataru Endo, Ryan Gravenberch, Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez, Dominik Szoboszlai, and other players.

Liverpool defeated Chelsea in a thrilling match at Wembley to win the League Cup for the tenth time.

A header by Virgil van Dijk gave the Reds a 1-0 victory over Chelsea in extra time. The Dutchman believed he had scored earlier in the match, but VAR disallowed the goal.

In the 118th minute, Van Dijk’s header from a Kostas Tsimikas corner gave Liverpool the victory and the trophy. The victory was the Reds’ record 10th League Cup in club history and their second under manager Klopp.

The FA Cup will soon come into focus as the excitement of winning a major trophy fades. On Wednesday night, the Reds take on Southampton at Anfield in the competition’s fifth round, and Klopp will have to contend with a long injury list.

Endo Wataru

In the Carabao Cup final, Wataru Endo played the entire 120 minutes against Chelsea.

Endo was seen leaving Wembley Stadium on crutches and wearing a protective boot following the trophy lift and post-match celebrations. Endo had sustained an ankle injury. Although it’s unclear if the midfield player will be fit to play against Southampton, Liverpool will be hopeful that his injury is not too serious.

Expected return date: Unknown.

Ryan Gravenberch

During the first half of the Carabao Cup final victory over Chelsea, Ryan Gravenberch was replaced.

Moises Caicedo tackled Gravenberch, yet there was no red card or booking for the incident. Before an estimated comeback date is established, the Liverpool midfield player is set to go through more evaluation after being stretchered off the game.

Expected return date: Unknown.

Mohamed Salah

Due to a muscular issue, Mohamed Salah has missed Liverpool’s last two games.

When Salah returned from the Africa Cup of Nations, he was out for several weeks due to injuries. In the FA Cup match against Southampton, Klopp is hoping to have Salah available after making his comeback as a substitute against Brentford.

Expected return date: Southampton (February 28).

Darwin Nunez

Due to a muscular ailment, Darwin Nunez has missed Liverpool’s last two games.

After the match against Brentford, the striker informed Klopp that he “felt something” and was replaced at halftime. He was not available to play against Southampton in the FA Cup, and he missed the games against Luton Town and Chelsea.

Expected return date: Southampton (February 28).

Dominik Szoboszlai

After missing most of 2024 due to a hamstring injury, Dominik Szoboszlai is currently recuperating.

The Hungary international suffered the injury for the first time on New Year’s Day and returned to action against Chelsea on January 31 only to pick up another injury in the course of the match.

Szoboszlai has been steadily advancing in his recuperation, and Liverpool anticipates having the midfield player ready again shortly.

Southampton: anticipated return date (February 28).

Diogo Jota

Due to a knee injury, Diogo Jota is anticipated to miss at least a few weeks of action.

The Portugal international was taken off the pitch by stretcher after sustaining the injury during the victory over Brentford on February 17. Jota sustained an MCL injury, and it is unclear when the forward will be added back to the team for the encounter.

Return is anticipated in April.

Curtis Jones,

An ankle injury to Curtis Jones occurred during the first half of the victory over Brentford.

The midfield player, who has missed the previous two games due to an injury, was seen at Wembley Stadium for the Carabao Cup final with crutches and a protective boot on. Jones is expected to return to Liverpool at some point in the upcoming month, most likely following the international break.

Date of expected return: mid-March.

Trent Arnold Alexander

Due to a knee injury, Trent Alexander-Arnold will be out for a considerable amount of time.

On February 10, Alexander-Arnold was brought on at halftime in the 3-1 victory over Burnley. After suffering the knee injury, he has been recovering, and it is anticipated that he won’t play again until after the international break.

Date of anticipated return: late March/early April

Alisson Becker

Alisson Becker is out of action right now while he heals a hamstring injury.

Due to a hamstring injury, the Brazilian was unable to participate in the match against Burnley and was later absent from the matches against Brentford, Luton, and Chelsea. It is anticipated that Alisson won’t be back until after the March international break.

Date of anticipated return: late March/early April

Alcantara Thiago

Due to a hamstring injury, Thiago Alcantara will be sidelined for an extended period of time.

On February 4, the midfielder made his comeback following a nine-month absence with a five-minute cameo against Arsenal. Thiago sustained a hamstring injury during the match, and while Klopp has stated he expects to use Thiago again this season, no timeline has been provided for his return.

Date of anticipated return: Unknown.

Long-term absentees: Due to long-term injuries, Joel Matip, Stefan Bajcetic, and Ben Doak are not likely to return anytime soon. They will be out of commission for the foreseeable future.