Liverpool head into the weekend with at least 11 players potentially out of action for their FA Cup Third Round tie at home to League One Shrewsbury Town at Anfield.
The Reds had their Carabao Cup semi-final first leg away to Arsenal postponed on Thursday, due to a high number of positive Covid-19 cases within their camp.
But with that, players have had extra time to recover ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup fixture, although that isn’t to say that the absentee situation has necessarily got any better.
Manager Jurgen Klopp, himself, has recently tested positive for Covid-19 and was forced to miss Liverpool ’s 2-2 Premier League draw with Chelsea on Sunday.
Here is all you need to know about the current state of play at Anfield and the potential return dates for those currently on the sidelines.
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Thiago
Spanish midfielder Thiago has been missing from the Liverpool squad since the 3-1 victory over Newcastle on December 17.
The 30-year-old had initially tested positive for Covid-19, missing the games against Tottenham Hotspur and Leicester City, but then picked up a hip issue which has continued to keep him out, and there is no current expected return date as things stand.
Speaking on December 31, Klopp said: “It’s a hip issue which we don’t have an idea where it’s coming from, so we have to be a little bit patient with that."
Takumi Minamino
It is hoped that forward Takumi Minamino may well return to the Liverpool squad for this weekend’s FA Cup game, as he continues his recovery from a minor muscular issue.
Minamino has missed Liverpool’s last two games as a result, but a late fitness test may be provided if he is to be in contention ahead of Sunday.
Prior to the Chelsea game, Klopp said: "I would say Taki is probably closer, he is running outside."
Nathaniel Phillips
Centre-back Nathaniel Phillips continues to recover from a fractured cheekbone he sustained during December’s 2-1 Champions League victory against AC Milan at the San Siro.
The injury was expected to keep him out until the midway point of this month, so there is still a week or so to go before he can return to first-team training.
On December 10, Klopp said: “We have to be careful. How long exactly it will take I don't know, maybe 4-5 weeks."
Divock Origi
Striker Divock Origi remains out with a knee injury and it remains to be seen when he will next feature in a Liverpool squad.
The problem wasn’t suspected to be that serious, yet there is still no current return date for the Belgian striker.
Klopp also confirmed last month that Origi hadn’t been training with the first team, so it could still be a while before he makes a return.
Harvey Elliott
The young midfielder is making encouraging progress in his recovery from a serious injury he sustained during September’s victory over Leeds United at Elland Road.
Elliott was on the receiving end of a rough challenge and fractured his ankle, leading to fears that his season was over.
However, with his good progress so far, there are positive signs that the youngster could make a return at some point this year before the season’s end.
Covid-19 cases
Prior to the Chelsea game on Sunday, Liverpool confirmed that they had received three positive Covid-19 cases within the squad.
Alisson, Joel Matip and Roberto Firmino were the unfortunate victims, and it remains to be seen as to just how long they will miss out for.
However, it can be expected that there will be no return for the trio this weekend.
African Cup of Nations absentees
The following players will be unavailable for the Reds over the next four weeks, as they compete for their countries at AFCON 2021.
Mohamed Salah (Egypt)
Sadio Mane (Senegal)
Naby Keita (Guinea)
