The term “quadruple” is beginning to gain some traction in certain circles, but Arne Slot is determined to keep his players grounded and focused, despite Liverpool’s strong position both domestically and in Europe. As of now, the Reds are actively competing on four fronts, a feat that requires sharp attention and discipline.
Liverpool currently leads the Premier League by a six-point margin ahead of their upcoming match against Ipswich Town at Anfield on Saturday. This comes on the back of a crucial 2-1 victory over Lille, which secured their spot in the Champions League Round of 16. The Reds also find themselves in the midst of a Carabao Cup semi-final, where they trail Tottenham 1-0 heading into the second leg next month, while also preparing for a fourth-round FA Cup tie against Plymouth Argyle.
Despite the excitement surrounding these competitions, Slot is mindful of the challenges that come with managing a squad stretched across multiple tournaments. One of his key priorities is avoiding injuries, something that has plagued Liverpool in recent seasons. While the team’s injury record this season has been relatively solid, Slot is eager to keep his squad fully fit. Although it’s an unrealistic expectation in the world of football, the manager is undoubtedly hoping that none of his players find themselves in the treatment room. Below is an update on the current injury situation and when fans can expect some of the sidelined players to return.
Curtis Jones recently picked up a knock during the team’s 2-1 victory over Lille. The young midfielder had initially assisted Mo Salah’s opening goal with a brilliant through ball but required treatment from the medical staff shortly after. He managed to continue playing until half-time, but was ultimately forced to come off. It remains unclear whether Jones’ injury is a minor issue or something that could keep him out for a longer period. Slot has refrained from providing specifics, but the hope is that the midfielder will be fit in time for Saturday’s match against Ipswich Town.
Diogo Jota, unfortunately, finds himself on the treatment table once again. After a two-month absence due to a rib injury, the Portuguese forward returned to action last month but suffered another setback. Jota came off the bench during Liverpool’s 1-1 draw at Nottingham Forest last week and picked up a muscle injury shortly after. Despite his evident quality and clinical finishing ability, Jota has struggled with injuries over the past season. However, Slot has stated that Jota is expected to be sidelined for weeks, rather than months, with a potential return set for February.
Joe Gomez has also been unavailable since suffering a hamstring issue during Liverpool’s 5-0 win over West Ham on December 29. Given the nature of the injury, the club is taking a cautious approach with the defender, ensuring that he has ample time to recover before making his return to the field. Slot confirmed before the Lille match that Gomez would remain sidelined for at least a couple more weeks, with a possible return also slated for February.
Liverpool’s injury concerns, while manageable at the moment, highlight the demanding nature of competing in multiple competitions at once. Arne Slot’s challenge will be balancing squad rotation with the need to maintain peak performance. With crucial matches in the league, Carabao Cup, FA Cup, and Champions League, Liverpool’s depth and fitness will be tested in the coming weeks. The manager will need to make sure that his squad stays focused, healthy, and ready for the challenges ahead, as the Reds aim to keep their pursuit of a historic quadruple alive.
