Arne Slot has seen Alexis Mac Allister join Liverpool’s list of absentees, with the Argentina international set to serve two one-game suspensions in the Premier League and Champions League.
He will miss trips to Everton and Girona as a result.His absence could leave the Reds without seven players when they make the short trip across Stanley Park, though Federico Chiesa is closing in on a first team return after scoring midweek for the Under-21s.
Currently down to the bare bones defensively, with only five defenders available, Slot was forced to play Jarell Quansah at right-back in Liverpool’s 3-3 draw with Newcastle as he looked to manage Trent Alexander-Arnold carefully after a hamstring injury.With the trip to St. James’ Park the first of nine games in 32 days for the Reds, the ECHO takes a look at who could be missing for Liverpool ahead of the first Merseyside derby of the season…
Mac Allister will miss Liverpool’s next two matches through suspension. He was booked in the Reds’ 3-3 draw with Newcastle United, and will sit out Saturday’s Merseyside derby as a result of receiving his fifth yellow card of the Premier League campaign.
The traditional punishment is a one-game ban, but the midfielder will also miss the Champions League trip to Girona next week. It had already been confirmed that he would also serve a one-match suspension for the trip to Spain after receiving his third European yellow card against Real Madrid.Mac Allister has been booked eight times from 21 appearances for Liverpool so far this season.
The Argentina international shared his sadness at being suspended after the draw with Newcastle, writing on social media: “So sad to be suspended for the Merseyside Derby, a huge game, for a yellow that I don’t think I deserved. Time to support the boys from outside, come on Liverpool.
Alisson is closing in on a return to action after suffering a hamstring injury at the start of October away at Crystal Palace, and recently offered an explanation as to why his absence had proven to be particularly lengthy.
Slot has already confirmed that the Brazilian will return as first-choice when back fit despite the impressive form of Caoimhin Kelleher. But he has also admitted that the Irishman is currently ensuring that the Reds have no need to rush Alisson back until he is 100% ready.
The Liverpool number one was pictured in training during the November international break, but only in individual sessions. While an exact return date is unclear, Slot did confirm that he expects the Brazil international to be back in the Reds goal before the end of the month.
At his pre-match press conference ahead of facing Newcastle United, he said: “We are just waiting for the moment that Alisson is completely fit because Caoimh is doing too well to put Alisson in goal if he is only on 50 per cent [fitness] and that would not be good for Alisson and not be good for the team.“He’s getting there.
It might take a few more extra days but he’s getting closer and closer and like I’ve always said the end phase of rehab is always the period where you feel like, ‘OK, is he really there or does he need a few extra days?’ But he will be in goal before the end of December if things continue like they are.”Slot will likely offer an update on the Brazilian at his pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon, with Liverpool next in action away at Everton on Saturday.
Chiesa has not played for Liverpool since making his full debut against West Ham United in the League Cup in September, but is on the verge of a comeback after returning to team training.The Reds have made sure not to rush the Italian, with the forward taking part in parts of team training over the past two weeks. Slot confirmed ‘he is getting back’ ahead of facing Newcastle.
He sat out Liverpool’s 3-3 draw with Newcastle United on Wednesday, and instead played for the Under-21s against FC Nordsjaelland. The Italian scored in a 4-3 defeat as he completed 60 minutes at the Academy.
It remains to be seen if we will be considered for Saturday’s Merseyside derby.Jota has not played for Liverpool since being forced off with an impact injury to his upper body in the first half against Chelsea after the October international break.
Slot previously admitted he did not expect the Portuguese to return until December, before later confirming he was expected to miss both clashes with Real Madrid and Man City. He was pictured training after the November international break, but is not yet back in team sessions.
Like Alisson, he is edging closer to a return as a result. However, Slot did not offer an update on the forward ahead of facing Newcastle, with it unlikely he is yet fit enough to make a comeback.
Bradley suffered a hamstring injury against Real Madrid and has been ruled out for a ‘few weeks’ by Slot as a result.While the Dutchman is bemoaning his recent defensive injuries, he confirmed ahead of Newcastle that the Northern Irishman, Konate and Tsimikas would all be back in action come January at the latest.
Konate suffered a knee injury in the closing stages of Liverpool’s win over Real Madrid, and would later confirm on social media that he was set for a spell on the sidelines.
Ruled out of the victory over Man CIty, he was spotted on crutches at Anfield to cheer on his team-mates. Slot has since confirmed he is set to be out for ‘a few weeks’ but is expected to return to action come January.
Tsimikas suffered an ankle injury in training last month, and was spotted on crutches and in a protective boot when Liverpool faced Man City.Ruled out of both clashes against Newcastle and Everton, the Dutchman has confirmed he is expected to return to action by January at the latest.
