Alexander-Arnold, Alisson & Van Dijk: Liverpool injury news and expected return dates

Liverpool have enjoyed an overwhelmingly positive start to life under new head coach Arne Slot.

It was always going to be a tough task stepping into the shoes of Jurgen Klopp - but the early signs have been promising as the former Feyenoord head coach has led his side to the top of the Premier League table with a run of just one defeat in 11 games. Progress was made in the Carabao Cup with wins against West Ham United and Brighton and Hove Albion and the Champions League has provided more positivity with four wins from their opening four games of the league phase.

Liverpool’s form has been made all the more impressive by the fact Slot has been forced to go into games without the services of several key players who have suffered injuries during the opening months of the season. But when could they return to contention and what is the latest updates on their fitness?

Alisson

The Brazil international has not appeared since he suffered a hamstring injury in the closing stages of the 1-0 win at Crystal Palace last month. Although Caoimhin Kelleher has, as always, proved to be a more than capable deputy, there is no doubt Alisson is always a miss. However, there are some hopes he will return to contention for Sunday’s game at Southampton Predicted return date: Late November

Harvey Elliott

Elliott’s hopes of firmly establishing himself within Slot’s plans took a blow when he suffered a broken foot that has kept him out of action since September and has limited him to just one appearance during the opening three months of the campaign. Speaking at the time, Slot said: “So it is, first and foremost, a blow for himself, and then also for us because I think availability is important in the stage of the season when we play seven games in 22 days, I think. So, it’s a blow for the both of us, but he will work as hard as always to come back in the best possible way.” That comeback appears to now be in its final stages and a return to action is imminent Predicted return date: Late November

Virgil Van Dijk

The Reds captain has made an early return from international duty after suffering what Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman described as ‘minor’ issues. The Dutch defender will be assessed but there doesn’t seem too much to concern Liverpool supporters. “Virgil had some minor complaints, he already had that last week. He trained separately last week until Wednesday,” Koeman told reporters on Monday. “Also considering the programme that these types of players have to complete; he always plays everything. That is why we decided to send him back to the club.” Predicted return date: Late November

Diogo Jota

The Portugal star has been in good form this season with four goals and two assists in ten games in all competitions - but has not featured since the 2-1 win against Chelsea last month after he picked up a chest injury. Jota is closing in on a return to fitness but Sunday’s trip to Southampton is expected to come too soon for a return Predicted return date: Early December

Trent Alexander-Arnold

The England international was forced out of the recent win against Aston Villa after suffering a thigh injury midway through the first-half. The injury meant Alexander-Arnold missed the Three Lions Nations League wins against Greece and Republic of Ireland. Speaking after the win, Slot said: “It's difficult to say how serious it is, but it's always serious if a player goes out in the first half. That's not a good sign. I would be surprised if we will see him playing for England this week, but hopefully he can.” Predicted return date: Unknown

Federico Chiesa

The summer signing has struggled to make an impact since joining the Reds from Juventus and has made just three appearances in all competitions. Just one of those came as part of one of Slot’s starting elevens and that was in a 5-1 Carabao Cup win against West Ham United. However, Slot has already confirmed there is some hope Chiesa could return this weekend. Predicted return date: Late November