As Liverpool approach the biggest match of the year, at least so far, they have a couple new injury issues to contend with. Ben Doak is the latest to join the list, as he now faces a long spell on the sidelines.
The 18-year-old suffered a knee injury that will require surgery, and thus he joins the cadre of Reds who are long-term injury absentees.
Arsenal at Liverpool FYIs
Kick Off: Sat Dec 23, 2023, at 5.30 pm UK time at Anfield, Liverpool
Starting XI Predictions: Arsenal Liverpool
Transatlantic Passage: How the Premier League Redefined Soccer in America: LINK
Google Result Probability: Arsenal 34% Draw 26% Liverpool 40%
PL Position, Form Guide: Arsenal 1st, 39 pts WLWWW Liverpool 2nd, 36 pts DWWWD
That group includes Andy Robertson, Diogo Jota, Thiago Alcantara, Ryan Gravenberch, Joel Matip, and Alexis Mac Allister. Regarding Gravenberch however, the news is actually very good.
Liverpool assistant manager Pepijn Lijnders confirmed that Gravenberch, who underwent a scan to assess the damage, avoided a hamstring injury, and only has DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness).
“He’s good. It happens not often that you send the player to a scan and that everything comes out clear,” Lijnders said to the media regarding Gravenberch.
“Normally when a player feels something and he goes for a scan, they always find something. It was only DOMS, so he’s fatigued – extra fatigued, that means – so we have to be careful.
“But I think today there’s a possibility he can train, so that’s really, really good news. Especially because he played well, eh? Especially against man-marking sides, he is really helpful to keep the ball.”
“He’s doing ball work outside, so he’s getting better and better,” he said.
“But always with the hamstrings, it’s tricky, you always want to give it two or three days more.
“Because then you’re at least sure, especially with the re-injuries before, so we will be careful with him.
“But he’s close, yeah.”
Paul M. Banks is the owner/manager of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
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