Liverpool injury latest following Gakpo’s return after three-match absence

The Dutchman came off the bench against Wolves to end a three-match injury absence and added a new option in Arne Slot’s forward line.

His return comes at the right time, even with debate over his role in the squad, as the Reds will play nine games in 31 days in three different competitions.

Conor Bradley’s role off the bench after defeat to Tottenham was also a boost as Jeremy Frimpong will also need to be managed as he is still early in his return from a hamstring injury.

However, as it stands, this is Liverpool’s current list of absentees:

• I’m wrong (AFCON)
• Joe Gomez (hamstrings)
• Wataru Endo (single)
• Alexander Isak (broken leg)
• Giovanni Leoni (ACL)
• Stefan Bajcetic (hamstring)
• Jayden dance (hamstring)

Leoni And Isaac both suffer from long-term injuries, while Salah will return in January once his Africa Cup of Nations campaign with Egypt concludes.

If he made it to the final, he would return after January 18.

Endo is expected to be sidelined until at least mid-January following an ankle injury suffered at Leeds earlier this month, but his return promises no minutes after just 223 so far.

Gomes has been ruled out with a hamstring injury and Liverpool will not rush his return after a history of soft tissue problems, but how soon he returns after the new year remains to be seen.

This is Anfield understands Dance is back to work on the grass and will make a full comeback in the coming weeks after a serious hamstring injury suffered in September.

Barnsley’s visit to the FA Cup on January 12 would have been the ideal return on paper, but that will likely come too soon after more than three months on the sidelines.

BajcetianMeanwhile, he is easily spotted working in the AXA gym as Liverpool take a patient approach to his recovery from hamstring surgery in May.

Slot has felt the effects of a small squad in recent weeks, but will welcome back a number of players in the coming month, although he hopes he doesn’t lose any more in the meantime.

In their 26 games in all competitions so far, Liverpool have missed 16 different players due to injury, suspension, illness or international commitments.

Only Giorgi Mamardashvili, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson and Milos Kerkez have not had to miss a match so far.