Five Premier League clubs who have had worse injury records than ‘depleted’ Liverpool this season
Liverpool are undoubtedly in the midst of an injury crisis but the way some are going on it seems to have been forgotten that other clubs have suffered more.
Jurgen Klopp is without Alisson, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joel Matip, Stefan Bajcetic, Dominik Szoboszlai, Thiago Alcantara, Curtis Jones, Diogo Jota, Darwin Nunez and Mo Salah heading into Sunday’s Carabao Cup final.
One player short of a fine crocked XI, their final training sessions before the Wembley trip will be interesting.
It is a monstrous selection of talent to be missing but the reaction feels a little disproportionate considering the problems other clubs have faced.
Brentford
It is faintly ludicrous that searching ‘Brentford injuries’ on Google seems to generate more results reporting on and bemoaning the additional problems Liverpool suffered in their recent Premier League win over the Bees, than the issues Thomas Frank has been contending with all season.Curtis Jones, Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez were all substituted due to injury in that game, with Mo Salah aggravating a problem of his own. Liverpool’s myriad issues were undeniably exacerbated but Brentford might feel a little aggrieved at just how easily their medical department’s burden has been overlooked.
READ MORE: Brave Liverpool are flying without wings to Premier League title glory
Frank said in December that Brentford’s injury struggles “go under the radar” and they have hardly abated since. Rico Henry has been out since mid-September. On the other side of defence, Aaron Hickey will similarly miss the rest of the season. Bryan Mbeumo and Kevin Schade both last played in December. Ethan Pinnock is currently sidelined in the latest of a long list of shorter term but perennial frustrations.
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One Brentford player has been conspicuous by what was up until recently a season-long and season-damaging absence. That and his return has obfuscated just how much additional weight an already slim squad has lost.
Newcastle
Eddie Howe’s side sustained a similarly self-inflicted wound to their squad, but that is where the Ivan Toney and Sandro Tonali situations differ: shooting themselves in the foot has not even vaguely distracted from Newcastle’s numerous subsequent stubbed toes. That and Aston Villa’s title challenge were pretty much the only topics of conversation through December.The Magpies have eight players in the treatment room with various ailments ranging from Callum Wilson’s pec to Joelinton’s thigh and Nick Pope’s shoulder. And that is a mild epidemic in comparison to previous outbreaks. Only Nottingham Forest (33) and Sheffield United (32) have used more players than Newcastle’s 31 this season and that is not entirely by design.
Kieran Trippier might just genuinely have lost count when he asked that supporter following defeat to Bournemouth in November: “How many injuries have we got?”. Enough for Matt Targett (hamstring) to get Champions League minutes.
During the most congested period of the season, when about two-thirds of all professional footballers seemed to be injured, no side was hit worse than Newcastle.
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Brighton
Roberto De Zerbi has had enough plates to spin at Brighton this season between the advent of European football and the constant stream of incredible unearthed gems foisted upon him, without even factoring in the various droppings the Seagulls have had to contend with.Their most-used player in the Premier League this season, Pascal Gross with his 2,002 minutes, has played less football than his equivalent at every other top-flight club. And even he has missed a couple of matches with a muscle strain, which pales in comparison to the afflictions of most of his teammates.
Brighton were dealing with about five different knee injuries at one stage, with Julio Enciso and Solly March deep in the midst of extended absences. Chelsea’s scouts have been disappointed with the unavailability of Kauro Mitoma, Pervis Estupinan, Joao Pedro and many others at different points.
Even James Milner is out and around a fortnight away from this being the longest injury spell of his career. Definitely still winning the bleep test, though.
Chelsea
The Blues have likely already tried to poach the head of Brighton’s medical department and his next two pre-arranged successors, each of whom will at least be entirely familiar with the workload they would be expected to assume at Stamford Bridge.Liverpool have an absurd injury list but any and all recent attempts to try and frame them as anything but favourites at Wembley rather ignores Chelsea’s own issues. Thiago Silva, Robert Sanchez and Carney Chukwuemeka are doubts among a half-dozen certain absentees.
Reece James is biannually broken, Romeo Lavia has played 32 minutes since joining for £58m, Wesley Fofana has endured roughly as many knee knacks as he has enjoyed wins at Chelsea and Christopher Nkunku, a puzzle piece this ridiculous jigsaw largely depended on, has not yet broken into his stride.
Their problems have certainly subsided in recent weeks but Chelsea could not buy a clean bill of health for ages and almost definitely tried.
Manchester United
“The injuries hold us back in the process,” Erik ten Hag said in December, predicting “our levels can be higher” when players started to return. An unbeaten start to the year suggests he might have had a point.That form might well be threatened by the lack of an actual left-back. Jose Mourinho’s brain is nodding sagely somewhere at the latest breakdown of Luke Shaw’s body, with mystery surrounding Tyrell Malacia all season. The centre of Manchester United’s defence has shared the nursery rhyme-based burden: “minor issue”, (Raphael Varane), hamstring (Jonny Evans), groin (Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof), knee and foot (Lisandro Martinez).
Mason Mount has become an abstract concept. Casemiro flits seamlessly between injury, suspension and astonishment at being booked. Only eight Manchester United players have played 1,000 minutes – or 44.4% – of this Premier League season, which is the fewest of any team.
Ten Hag should have done far better this season but the extent to which Manchester United have been disrupted by injury cannot be overlooked.
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New Liverpool frontrunner emerges as Mason Greenwood seeks another Man Utd chance
Liverpool have a primary alternative in mind if Xabi Alonso cannot be persuaded to return to Anfield, while Mason Greenwood is hoping to resurrect his Manchester United career under the new regime…
GREENWOOD HOPES TO FEATURE IN RATCLIFFE’S MAN UTD PLAN
Now Sir Jim Ratcliffe is officially part owner of Manchester United and responsible for the football operation at Old Trafford, the INEOS billionaire can put his plan into action to knock Manchester City and Liverpool ‘off their perch’.
Part of the exodus could be Mason Greenwood – but not if the disgraced striker sees the opportunity for repay a ‘debt’ to United.
The Sun says Greenwood will reject interest from Barcelona if Ratcliffe and United are minded to give the forward a second chance once his loan at Getafe expires at the end of the season.
United are said to want a striker and a defender in the summer – the Daily Mail suggest a central midfielder too – with centre-back Alessandro Bastoni linked with the Red Devils. Inter Milan don’t want to sell unless they receive an offer in the region of £90million. Ekrem Konur reckons United are interested, along with Chelsea, Manchester City, PSG and Real Madrid.
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Ratcliffe must also consider the manager’s position and the Daily Star suggests the new investor will wait until the end of the season before making a decision over Erik ten Hag’s future. If United decide to make a change, Sky Germany says Thomas Tuchel is keen to replace Ten Hag when the German leaves Bayern Munich in the summer. Assuming he lasts that long in Bavaria.
Read more: Mason Greenwood and four other red flags from Ratcliffe’s cosy press-pack chat
AMORIM NEXT ON LIVERPOOL’S LIST
Bayern would love Xabi Alonso to replace Tuchel, which would be a blow for Liverpool. So the Reds are making contingency plans in case Alonso chooses to swerve an Anfield return.
The Independent suggests Ruben Amorim is a main contender alongside Alonso with Liverpool’s search for Jurgen Klopp’s replacement ‘still at an early stage’.
Amorim, currently bossing Sporting Lisbon, is viewed as a more likely alternative to Alonso than Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi.
Read more: Who will replace Jurgen Klopp as next Liverpool manager? Tuchel on list
BAYERN TO RETURN SLOW DIER
Back to Bayern, where they are apparently struggling to remember why they signed Eric Dier.
Tuchel moved for Dier in January as an option for cover in defence and midfield. The ex-England international signed on loan with the option of a permanent move. One, according to Bild, that Bayern won’t bother with.
The story goes that Bayern have doubts over Dier’s ability and his lack of pace. The latter can hardly have come as a surprise.
Man Utd ‘set asking price’ for Ten Hag signing as ‘clear-out’ places 11 Red Devils at risk
According to reports, new Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is planning a ‘squad clear-out’ this summer and ‘as many as 11’ players are at risk.
It has been confirmed that Ratcliffe‘s purchase of a 27.7% stake in the Premier League giants has been completed.
The INEOS chief has only bought a minority stake in Man Utd but as part of the deal, he will take control of footballing matters at Old Trafford and he is currently laying the groundwork for a significant summer.
Ratcliffe is in the process of overhauling United’s recruitment model as Omar Berrada has been announced as their new chief executive, while they want Dan Ashworth to be their director of football.
On the pitch, Man Utd’s results have improved in recent weeks as they have won four Premier League games in a row.
Their recent form has eased the pressure on Erik ten Hag so the Dutchman may remain in charge heading into the summer. According to ESPN, Ratcliffe and Co. are ‘prepared for a squad clear-out this summer’. The report adds.
‘United have money to spend in the next transfer window but concerns about the club’s financial position – in particular breaching profit and sustainability rules – will limit the funds available. Recruitment conversations with Ratcliffe and INEOS director Sir Dave Brailsford have focused on a need to offload players to boost the budget.
‘There are question marks over the futures of as many as 11 first team players including Christian Eriksen, Raphaël Varane, Casemiro, Harry Maguire, Scott McTominay, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Victor Lindelöf.
‘Anthony Martial, out of contract in the summer, is set to leave on a free transfer while United will also invite offers for players already on loan, including Jadon Sancho, Donny van de Beek, Facundo Pellistri and Brandon Williams.
‘United are hoping to sign a striker and a defender in the summer, while also improving the overall quality of the squad.’
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A separate report from Spanish outlet Fichajes claims Man Utd are willing to offload Brazil international Antony in the summer and have ‘set their asking price’.
It is suggested that the winger is ‘not part of Ten Hag’s plans’ and Man Utd are ready to ‘accept offers of around 50 million euros (£43m)’ for him this summer.
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Antony was one of United’s top targets ahead of his first season in charge in 2022/23 and the Premier League outfit ended up paying around £86m to lure Dutch giants Ajax into letting him leave.
It turns out Ajax have had Man Utd’s pants down as Antony has not come close to living up to his price tag. He is currently without a goal or an assist in his 19 Premier League appearances this season.
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Ex-United forward Louis Saha recently suggested that Antony is guilty of being too “stubborn”.
“There’s a bit of stubbornness in the way Antony plays. When you have a predictable style, you have to change it up. Whether it’s him, his manager or even his entourage, everyone can see he needs to change something,” Saha said (via The Mirror).
“But Antony isn’t willing to change. The manager keeps playing him right wing and Antony is sticking to the same thing. I’m sorry, at some point, it becomes the responsibility of the manager because it’s not normal.”
Liverpool ‘approach’ plans revealed as Ornstein claims FSG want new director ‘decided’ next month
According to reports, Liverpool are ‘planning to informally approach’ Bayer Leverkusen chief Simon Rolfes over becoming their new sporting director.
Liverpool‘s hierarchy are going to be busy in the coming months as they need to appoint a new head coach and director of football.
Jurgen Klopp announced last month that this season will be his last as head coach and Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso is the current favourite to replace him in the summer.
The Premier League giants are currently without a director of football as Jorg Schmadtke left the club at the end of the January transfer window.
It recently emerged that Liverpool have failed to tempt Michael Edwards back to the club and they are also understood to have their eye on Rolfes.
The former Leverkusen midfielder has been their managing director of sport since 2022 and was previously their academy manager.
A report from Football Insider claims an ‘informal approach’ for Rolfes is being ‘planned’ by Liverpool. They added.
‘The Merseysiders are now ready to approach Rolfes, 42, via third parties to ascertain his interest in taking the now-vacant role.
‘A well-placed source has told Football Insider that the Reds plan to appoint a sporting director before making a final decision on installing a new manager.’
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The Athletic’s David Ornstein meanwhile has revealed that FSG would like their sporting director situation to be “decided by the end of March”.
“Liverpool and their owner Fenway Sports Group would ideally like the sporting director situation decided by the end of March,” Ornstein answered.
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“You would assume that person would then spearhead the search for a manager/head coach. Movements will already be taking place behind the scenes. As The Athletic’s Simon Hughes mentioned on Tuesday, Frederic Massara and Florent Ghisolfi are among the operators
“Liverpool like, while existing staff such as Dave Fallows and Barry Hunter are very highly regarded — and it feels like time is of the essence.
“I reported on Mike Gordon’s unsuccessful attempt to bring back Michael Edwards and whether or not Gordon is still trying, it appears Edwards is not for turning.”
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Ornstein has also predicted that “some kind of contact” has been made between Liverpool and Leverkusen for Alonso.
“Meanwhile, it wouldn’t surprise me if some kind of contact has been made with the camp of Xabi Alonso (that has been reported in Germany) and others,” Ornstein added.
“Any pursuit of Alonso is complicated by his job at Bayer Leverkusen, who obviously would love him to stay for longer, and Bayern Munich’s serious interest.
“This is all before we even mention the Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold contract situations, which I’m not aware of having developed at all. On the pitch, there is everything to play for at Liverpool, but off the field, matters are just as important.”
Big Weekend: Carabao Cup final, Arsenal v Newcastle, Glasner, Mainoo v Reed
The Carabao Cup final pits inconsistent Chelsea against a Liverpool squad down to the bare bones. Also in a Big Weekend: Arsenal need to get back in their stride; Oliver Glasner bosses Palace; and two England hopefuls clash at Old Trafford.
Game to watch: Carabao Cup final
The season’s first domestic trophy is on the line at Wembley on Sunday when Chelsea and Liverpool will stage a repeat of the Carabao Cup final from two years ago.
The period since Chelsea lost that showpiece on penalties has been a tumultuous time for the Blues. They are under new ownership; they have been under numerous new managers; and Sunday represents the chance for the new-ish regime to claim their first silverware as Chelsea custodians, as well as Mauricio Pochettino the opportunity to win his first trophy in English football.
Would victory at Wembley mean all is swell at Stamford Bridge? Of course not. But it would offer some respite and a path back to Europe, even if it is via the Conference League qualification play-offs. Which would bring its own problems owing to UEFA’s stricter FFP rules. But few Chelsea fans walking up Wembley Way will be worrying about the books come Sunday. And those that will might need to rethink their priorities.
Liverpool supporters will be preoccupied with the health of their squad. The Reds – bravely and magnificently, according to some – overcame Luton, with a squad that cost less than Virgil van Dijk, to maintain their advantage at the top of the Premier League. That is the prize every Liverpool follower wants for Jurgen Klopp at the end of his farewell tour, but a fourth domestic trophy would hardly be scoffed at.
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Klopp has tried to heap the pressure on Chelsea by suggesting Liverpool are not heavy favourites. Which, of course, is horsesh*t. But you might fancy them rather more than you did prior to the shoeing Liverpool gave them at Anfield just over three weeks ago.
Team to watch: Arsenal
After a rip-roaring few weeks for Arsenal since their winter break in Dubai, their passive performance in Porto on Wednesday came as something of a surprise. The Gunners must ensure it was a mere blip when Newcastle go to the Emirates on Saturday night.
It already promised to be a tasty affair in the wake of their meeting earlier in the season that so riled Mikel Arteta and his club that neither party could keep their frustration under control. Arteta and Arsenal, whatever their grievances, made themselves look rattled and paranoid on Bonfire weekend. Now, having hauled themselves back into the title race, control and composure is what the Gunners must crave.
But perhaps that was part of the problem in Portugal. Back in the Champions League knockout stage for the first time in seven years, Arsenal stood off and opted to stay in the tie rather than risk the cost of going to win it. It resulted in a performance that yielded no shots on target in a Champions League game for the first time in 11 years and a stodginess unlike the Arsenal of 2024.
Against a Newcastle side who will have noted Porto’s success, Arsenal have to rediscover the flow that has got them back into a three-horse Premier League race.
Manager to watch: Oliver Glasner
The Glasner era begins at Selhurst Park on Saturday when Palace have the opportunity to give themselves some respite from the prospect of a relegation battle.
Burnley, off the bottom by virtue of goal difference, are the visitors for Glasner’s first game in charge since taking over from Roy Hodgson this week. The German coach was at Everton on Monday to watch his new team in transition between managers and he witnessed an improved performance, even if the Eagles were let down by old failings in a 1-1 draw.
The concession of a late goal from a set-piece will have irked Glasner, even if Palace fans have become used to such flaws. But a draw was a tolerable result in the circumstances against a side that the Eagles will fear as a threat.
If Everton away was must-not-lose, Burnley at home is rather more must-win for Glasner to kickstart some momentum of the positive kind, as well as to allow Palace to look up the table rather than over their shoulders.
Player to watch: Harrison Reed
It was little surprise this week to learn that Kalvin Phillips’ England place is under threat. So it should be. The midfielder has had an absolute shocker since leaving the Manchester City bench for West Ham. Four games: one goal given away; two heavy defeats; and a red card that rules him out of the clash with Brentford on Monday.
Should Gareth Southgate axe Phillips, the England boss is said to be eyeing three possible replacements, two of whom could line up against each other at Old Trafford on Saturday.
One is Kobbie Mainoo. The 18-year-old is guaranteed to start because, these days, he is perhaps behind only Bruno Fernandes in Erik ten Hag’s haste to scribble out his team-sheet. Mainoo is the one player who can keep his head when, inevitably, everyone else at United loses theirs.
The other rather more eyebrow-raising name is Reed. Surprising because he has started only one of the last 11 Premier League games for Fulham. But Reed is set to come in against United because the Cottagers cannot call upon the suspended Joao Palhinha, offering the 29-year-old the chance to show the rest of us what Southgate has apparently spotted.
EFL game to watch: Leeds v Leicester
The Championship not long ago seemed to be sewn up. But if Leicester lose at Leeds on Friday night, we might just have a title race on our hands.
The top two meet at Elland Road where the hosts can keep chipping away at the Foxes’ lead and reduce it to six points. Come Saturday night, Leicester might only be eight points clear of fourth.
That’s hardly enough to prompt panic at the King Power, but bottoms are squeakier in Leicester than they might have been. And Leeds, on the back of eight successive victories, have the best home record in the Championship. Daniel Farke’s focus has been on being the best of the rest, and there it will remain, but beating Leicester could give United another target of hunting down the Foxes.
After the top two slug it out, Southampton and Ipswich both host opposition under different management, with Town welcoming a Birmingham being bossed by Mark Venus in Tony Mowbray’s absence, while Saints entertain Millwall back under the control of Neil Harris.
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European game to watch: Bayern Munich v RB Leipzig
Bayern have featured in this section a lot lately but it’s hard to cast your gaze beyond Bavaria at the moment.
The Bundesliga champions for the last 11 seasons have lost their last three games, leaving them playing catch-up in the Champions League but, more concerningly, eight points off the domestic pace being set by Bayer Leverkusen.
Their circumstances have prompted the decision to part with Thomas Tuchel at the end of the season, but the coach might be lucky to last that long. Should they fail to beat RB Leipzig at the Allianz Arena on Saturday night, making it their worst run in 32 years while falling further behind Leverkusen, who host Mainz on Friday, does Tuchel make it to next week?
Leipzig have already humbled Bayern in their own backyard this season, winning in the German Super Cup on Harry Kane’s big opening night. Indeed, Leipzig haven’t lost any of their last four competitive meetings with Bayern.
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