Latest Liverpool injury news with updates ahead of a decisive few days in the Premier League title race against Arsenal
Perhaps the most important week in Liverpool's season is upon us as Arne Slot's side could be crowned Premier League champions in the coming days. The earliest they are able to achieve success is tonight, provided Arsenal fall to defeat at the hands of Crystal Palace.
That would mathematically ensure the Gunners are unable to match the Reds' points tally before the campaign draws to a close next month with some reports in the media suggesting that the team are gathering on Merseyside to watch along in case of that eventuality. If not, fate will be left to Liverpool to settle themselves on Sunday, April 27, when they host Tottenham Hotspur in front of an Anfield crowd.
When all is said and done, Slot's men have faired better than the rest without their full numbers because of injury. Recent weeks have seen some stars return to action, though the squad is not entirely whole yet.
Therefore the ECHO delves into the latest Liverpool injury news looking ahead to their critical days ahead.
Joe Gomez
Joe Gomez was sidelined for over a month when he suffered a hamstring injury at the end of December.
He did actually return in February's FA Cup embarrassment at Plymouth Argyle, though lasted only 11 minutes before being forced off again. The defender hasn't been seen since.
"Joe Gomez had surgery for his hamstring injury so he’s out for a long time," Slot commented in mid-February, also speculating: "He will be back maybe just before the end of the season."
The Reds have only five matches of the season remaining and could have the Premier League trophy in hand by end of play this coming weekend. On every Sunday in May they are scheduled to face Chelsea, Arsenal, Brighton and Crystal Palace respectively.
So, it will be to the discretion of the coaches to decide it is worth risking the 27-year-old in any of those fixtures.
Potential return date: Late May.
Almost a clean bill of health
Other than Gomez, Slot's near-perfect injury record means the vast majority of his options have now returned for the most important part of the season.
Trent Alexander-Arnold of course emerged from the bench at Leicester City to score the all-important winning goal. He had been missing since mid-March when hurting his ankle against Paris Saint-Germain.
Darwin Nunez was also well enough to make the bench having missed West Ham's visit the previous week through illness.
And recent problems for Alisson and Conor Bradley have also cleared up with the title race soon to be decided.