Conor Bradley, Stefan Bajcetic, Joel Matip – Liverpool injury news latest and return dates

Jake Bayliss

17 April 2024 at 10:07 am·3-min read

Conor Bradley of Liverpool goes down with an injury -Credit:James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images

Liverpool will have to deal without several players against Atalanta in the return leg of their Europa League quarter-final on Thursday

A goal from Eberechi Eze saw the Reds fall to a surprise defeat to Crystal Palace at Anfield, handing Manchester City a two-point lead in the title race. Liverpool sit third in the league table, behind Arsenal on goal difference, and this latest setback came swiftly after a grim 3-0 loss to Atalanta in the Europa League.

The Reds have produced some remarkable comeback victories during manager Jurgen Klopp’s tenure and will need to utilise some of that spirit to overturn the deficit in Bergamo on Thursday, However, in their recent defeat to Palace, Liverpool were also dealt a fresh injury blow, Here’s a look at the latest injury news and updates from around the AXA Training Centre.

Conor Bradley

Conor Bradley came off against Palace with an ankle injury after a tangle with goalscorer Eze. Bradley, who has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign, was checked by physios and there were initial fears the defender could face an extended spell on the sidelines.

An update on Tuesday explained that Bradley is expected to be out for three weeks but could return before the end of the season.

What Klopp has said: "He over-stretched. Whether it's ligament damage or not, I don't know yet. We will get that information on Monday or Tuesday."

Possible return date: Tottenham Hotspur (H) - May 5

Stefan Bajcetic

Stefan Bajcetic made his long-awaited return to Liverpool’s matchday squad for the first leg against Atalanta but was not involved at the weekend. That was due to the 19-year-old midfielder featuring for Liverpool under-21s last Friday as he stepped up his journey back to full fitness.

What Klopp has said: "Stefan is different a little bit because he was out for much longer, but he is now training with us for longer as well. But I think after the long spell he had without playing football it makes sense that we might give him a game at U21s and then let’s see how he deals with that."

Potential return date: Atalanta (A) - April 18

Ben Doak

Ben Doak is recovering from the knee injury that he suffered with Liverpool under-21s in December. The teenage winger is yet to return to full training.

Doak, 18, posted a picture of himself outside the AXA Training Centre, last Tuesday, with the caption ‘Almost’ accompanied by an hourglass emoji. The Scotland U21 international had made five appearances for the Reds this season before his injury.

Potential return date: May

Joel Matip

Joel Matip sustained an ACL injury against Fulham in December, which required the experienced defender to undergo surgery. Matip has been making progress in his rehabilitation but is not expected to feature again this season.

What Klopp has said: "He is running. Yes, he hates that but since he got injured, this is the best moment as it was very painful at the beginning, very painful for him, but he got through that. Now he is pain-free but it all takes time. The season isn't long enough [for him to return]."

Potential return date: Unknown

Thiago Alcantara

Thiago Alcantara’s sole appearance for Liverpool this season lasted just five minutes. The 33-year-old picked up a calf injury during his brief cameo against Arsenal in February and is yet to return to the matchday squad.