Liverpool fans are holding their breath. The Reds are bracing themselves for crucial clashes against West Ham United in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals. Simultaneously, they prepare for a Premier League top-of-the-table showdown against Arsenal. The anticipation is high for these pivotal encounters. As the stakes get higher, Assistant Manager Pep Lijnders has shed light on the team’s injury situation, revealing both promising and concerning updates.
Gravenberch’s Hamstring Injury: A Race Against Time
In the aftermath of the goalless draw against Manchester United, concerns arose when Ryan Gravenberch was forced off with a hamstring issue. Lijnders provided a sigh of relief, stating,
“He had a scan and it’s only DOMS, which is fatigue, so that’s a really good thing.”
The assistant manager acknowledged Gravenberch’s impact, especially against man-marking sides, emphasizing his pivotal role in the squad. While the Dutch midfielder is likely to miss the clash against West Ham, hopes are high for his return against Arsenal, pending a careful evaluation of his fitness. Lijnders emphasized the need for caution, stating,
“We have to be careful, especially he has to judge it himself. I can’t see why he wouldn’t be available for the next week.”
Mac Allister’s Prolonged Absence: Midfield Woes Continue
In Liverpool’s midfield, injury challenges persist with Alexis Mac Allister sidelined for the past three games. During a triumph over Sheffield United, the team incurred additional concerns as Alexis Mac Allister sustained a knee injury. Despite their efforts, Liverpool faces hurdles in maintaining a stable midfield lineup. Unfortunately, Lijnders provided a less optimistic update, stating,
“Alexis is out. He is a player we miss.”
The midfielder’s calm and composed playing style has been a notable absence, leaving a void that the likes of Wata Endo, Ryan, Curtis Jones, and others have had to step up to fill. Liverpool supporters may have to wait until the new year to see Mac Allister back in action, as Lijnders hinted,
“It will go into the new year. That could be possible, and we play on 1 January, so let’s see.”
As Liverpool navigates a demanding schedule, the fitness of key players becomes paramount. While Gravenberch’s potential return offers a glimmer of hope, the absence of Mac Allister poses a challenge in the midfield dynamics. Jurgen Klopp and his team will need to carefully manage the squad’s fitness to maintain their momentum in both domestic competitions. As the Reds strive for success on multiple fronts, the resilience of the squad, coupled with strategic rotations, will play a crucial role in shaping their season.
