Mixed news for Liverpool’s injury issues ahead of derby

Liverpool fans finally received a bit of good news regarding injury issues within the club. After serving a three-game suspension, Darwin Núñez returns to availability in his first Merseyside derby against Everton on Saturday.

In matchday two, Núñez received a red card for headbutting Crystal Palace defender Joachim Andersen. Consequently, the Uruguayan missed games against Manchester United, Bournemouth and Newcastle. Saturday’s game is Núñez’s first game available for the Reds in action.

Liverpool injury issues

On the injury front, there was a bit of mixed news from the club. Klopp announced during his Friday press conference that Diogo Jota trained this week. Therefore, the Portuguese attacker should be available for selection on Saturday.

“Diogo will probably be in as well,” claimed Klopp.  “He trained [Thursday] with the team for the first time.  He will train [Friday] and we have to make a decision if it makes sense to incline him already or not.”

The German also gave updates on his depleted midfield as well. 

“It’s a muscle injury [for Keita],” said Klopp.  “For him a muscle injury, Ox is a muscle injury, and they will be out for a while.”

Jordan Henderson received a scan on his recently injured hamstring, but the results have not been revealed just yet.  “Hendo, we don’t know yet,” the manager announced. 

There was, however, some good news on injured star midfielder Thiago Alcantara.  The Spain international has missed the team’s last four matches with a hamstring injury, but should return to the pitch soon.  “Thiago is the closest from all [of them],” explained Klopp.  “I think the start of the week, next week, he will be in team training.”

New signing Arthur Melo will most likely not be available for selection against Everton this weekend.  Although the Brazilian is fit and ready to play, he needs international clearance before officially playing for Liverpool.  A Champions League matchup against Napoli on Wednesday appears the most likely match for Arthur to make his debut for the Reds.

Although they started slowly in the Premier League, Liverpool have won back-to-back matches and look to keep their momentum going against Everton.  The Reds have not lost away to their crosstown rivals since 2010.

PHOTO: IMAGO / Sportimage