Liverpool: Joe Gomez injury is a 'devastating blow' says Cross
Liverpool’s injury crisis has taken another turn for the worse, after it was confirmed Mohamed Salah returned two positive tests for coronavirus. Jurgen Klopp had already been dealt a series of injury blows in recent days, with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez, both set for spells on the sidelines.
Alexander-Arnold suffered a calf injury during the 1-1 draw with Manchester City on Sunday, a game that left Klopp bemoaning the hectic fixture schedule.
That kept him out of England duty, but his defensive colleague Gomez did report for international duty, only to suffer a serious injury of his own.
The 23-year-old went down during a training session ahead of the friendly with Republic of Ireland. He has since undergone surgery on his knee tendons, with the expectation being, he will miss a significant portion of the season.
And Salah’s positive Covid-19 test, as confirmed by the Egyptian FA, means he will be forced to self-isolate for 10 days, ruling him out of the top of the table clash with Leicester City.
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If Liverpool are to retain the Premier League title, it could be Klopp's most impressive feat yet (Image: EXPRESS)
Astonishingly, Klopp has just one of his first-choice defenders available for the foreseeable. Virgil van Dijk and Gomez are both set to miss extended periods, while Alexander-Arnold’s prognosis has yet to be confirmed.
So along with the Scotland captain, there will be changes. One positive for Liverpool is that Fabinho is closing in on a return, he slotted in at centre-back well before suffering an injury and could join Joel Matip, who has also just returned from his own issues.
At right-back, Neco Williams has impressed in his limited opportunites, but should Liverpool go for experience, James Milner is a more than able deputy in that position.
Midfielders
Jordan Henderson’s problems, thankfully, appear behind him and he will be the anchor in midfield. Alongside him, Klopp actually has a few options, with Naby Keita, Georgino Wijnaldum and Thiago Alcantara competing for places.
Mohamed Salah has returned two positive coronavirus tests whilst on international duty with Egypt (Image: GETTY)