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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Stephen Killen

Diogo Jota, Thiago Alcantara, Jordan Henderson: Liverpool injury news and return dates ahead of Brentford

The race for Champions League qualification could take another twist when Liverpool host Brentford on Saturday.

A solitary effort from Mohamed Salah secured the points against Fulham in midweek which saw the gap to fourth place reduced to just four points. Manchester United failed to extend the gap on Thursday night as Alexis Mac Allister's stoppage-time penalty earned a crucial win for Brighton and Hove Albion.

The Argentine's composure helped the Seagulls to within five points of Liverpool going into the next round of Premier League fixtures. Jurgen Klopp's side are on a five-match winning record and have extra incentive to extend their run as they look to avenge the defeat in the reverse fixture against the Bees.

AS IT HAPPENED: Jurgen Klopp press conference

READ MORE: Trent Alexander-Arnold sends brutal Premier League title message to Arsenal with 'obvious' Man City admission

So far during the campaign, selection has been heavily disrupted by injuries has resulted in Liverpool suffering lack of form across all competitions. And with that in mind, below is the latest injury news.

Diogo Jota

Despite scoring the winner against Tottenham Hotspur and coming on against Fulham, Diogo Jota has yet to return to full fitness as he nurses further issues.

Jurgen Klopp confirmed that the Portugal international "didn't do a lot" in the preparations for the visit of Thomas Frank's side on Saturday.

"Diogo has a back issue, the bruised rib, he could train yesterday but didn't do a lot to be honest. He wasn't in any danger of contact so we have to see there," the Liverpool boss revealed.

Expected return date: Unknown

Roberto Firmino

A muscle problem continues to plague Roberto Firmino's final months at Liverpool and will keep him out of Saturday's encounter.

Already, the issue has forced him to miss the last four wins. Klopp previously held hope that the Brazilian will be fit enough to play for Liverpool before his contract expires at the end of the training.

Addressing the media on Friday, the German confirmed there's hopes he will return next week, he said: "Bobby is not in team training yet, we hope he can start next week in team training."

Expected return date: Mid-April

Jordan Henderson

The latest doubt from the AXA Training Centre comes in the form of Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson.

The Englishman went down in discomfort against Fulham following a challenge late on. He managed to continue to see out the game as Liverpool claimed the points against Fulham.

However, it was confirmed that he underwent scans for the issue as they await results to see if he's fit enough to play against Brentford.

Klopp said: "Hendo [Jordan Henderson] we will have to see. He had a scan yesterday, did not get the results yet. It will not be a big thing but maybe it's enough to rule him out for tomorrow I don't know that yet."

Expected return date: Unknown

Thiago Alcantara

Jurgen Klopp confirmed that Thiago Alcantara will miss the rest of the season after undergoing hip surgery.

News emerged this week that the midfielder would go under the knife for the issue that has forced him to miss two months between February and April, Klopp confirmed that the two are linked.

He became the latest Liverpool player to be ruled out for the rest of the season after Calvin Ramsay and Stefan Bajcetic.

"Thiago will have surgery and is out for the rest of the season. It's the hip again, I would expect him to be ready for pre-season. That's why we do it now (operation)," Klopp revealed.

Expected return date: Pre-season.

Stefan Bajcetic

Stefan Bajcetic has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after suffering from an abductor injury.

Bajcetic was brought off in the latter stages of the 1-0 Premier League defeat at Bournemouth and the midfielder has now confirmed he will miss the rest of the season with the injury.

“Unfortunately I’ve picked up an injury that will keep me out until the end of the season,” Bajcetic wrote on Instagram. “It’s very sad to say goodbye to this amazing season for me but I understand this is part of football and will only make me stronger physically and mentally.

“I would also like to say thank you to you reds for all the support through the season and I assure you I will do my best to be back stronger than ever.”

Expected return date: July pre-season.

Calvin Ramsay

Calvin Ramsay is another player who is out for the rest of the season after having knee surgery. The Scotland full-back has made two appearances for the Reds this season.

He was initially on the road to recovery from injury and made appearances for Barry Lewtas' U21s but suffered a setback that required him to go under the knife.

Klopp has already confirmed that the injury is almost certain to keep the defender out of action for the remainder of the season.

Expected return date: July pre-season.

Suspended

Liverpool currently have no players unavailable through suspension.

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