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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Tom Malley

Jones, Thiago, Firmino - Liverpool injury round-up and expected return dates

Liverpool will be looking for their 12th consecutive victory in all competitions when they host West Ham United in the Premier League on Saturday at Anfield.

The Reds make a return to top flight action following two cup competition duties, with Sunday’s Carabao Cup final victory over Chelsea followed by a win over Norwich City in the FA Cup fifth round on Wednesday.

And with a squad that is almost at full strength, Klopp has been able to use his wide range of resources to keep things fresh in the past week.

But the German manager has five injury concerns to contend with ahead of Saturday’s visit of the Hammers, and he will be hoping that no one else will be added to that list between now and then.

Here is all you need to know about the current state of play at Anfield and the expected return dates for those currently on the sidelines.

Could Liverpool achieve the quadruple this season? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.

Curtis Jones

Curtis Jones was substituted at half-time against Norwich on Wednesday with a thigh problem (Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Young midfielder Curtis Jones was withdrawn from the pitch during the 2-1 victory over Norwich in midweek after feeling a slight problem in his thigh.

But Klopp confirmed that it was more of a precautionary decision than anything else and the 21-year-old was expected to be available for selection again ahead of this weekend, although there are now doubts over that.

Speaking on Friday, Klopp said: "Curtis is not bad but good enough for tomorrow? We’ll see."

Thiago Alcantara

Spanish midfielder Thiago suffered heartbreak ahead of the Carabao Cup final on Sunday when he picked up a thigh injury during the warm up which ruled him out of the game.

The 30-year-old subsequently missed his side’s FA Cup game in midweek and it is unlikely that he will feature this weekend, but he could return in time for the Champions League clash with Inter Milan next week.

On Friday, Klopp said: "Strength in depth is important but we have some who aren’t available. Pretty sure Thiago is not available."

Joel Matip

Joel Matip is currently struggling with illness ahead of the West Ham tie (Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)

Defender Joel Matip looks as though he could miss Saturday's fixture with West Ham after Klopp revealed the defender is currently struggling with illness.

The centre back was an unused substitute during Wednesday's FA Cup victory over Norwich and although he hasn't been completely ruled out of this weekend's game, it can be assumed that he will not play a part.

Speaking on Friday, Klopp said: "Matip is ill, not covid.”

Naby Keita

Guinea international Naby Keita could once again miss out for Liverpool ahead of their game with West Ham this weekend.

Keita played 80 minutes of Sunday's Carabao Cup final victory over Chelsea at Wembley but was left out of the squad for the visit of Norwich in the FA Cup on Wednesday.

The midfielder is said to be suffering with a knock and Klopp revealed in his press conference on Friday that he "doesn't know" if the midfielder will be fit for Saturday.

Roberto Firmino

Roberto Firmino hasn't featured since scoring in the Champions League win over Inter Milan on February 16 (PA)

Roberto Firmino continues to be ruled out after picking up a groin injury ahead of the Premier League clash with Norwich on February 19.

The Brazilian is expected to miss out again this weekend but Klopp is hoping that it won’t be too much longer until we see the centre forward make a return to action, with Tuesday's Champions League tie against Inter Milan a possibility.

Speaking on Friday, Klopp said: "Bobby is looking good but not good enough for the weekend. I think the plan is that he trains on Sunday, first time full training. That sounds doable for Tuesday."

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