Liverpool can count their blessings with injury updates ahead of Arsenal clash

Liverpool will want to bounce back to winning ways on their return to Premier League action but must do it with a difficult ask against an in-form Arsenal up first — luckily for the Anfield side — they’re handed some important injury returns to take on the fierce Gunners.

Jurgen Klopp and his Liverpool side will be put through their biggest test for the season; a congested festive period that will question their thin squad, who has already been suffering from injury setbacks throughout the first few months of the EPL campaign.

So far: Naby Keita, Joe Gomez, Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott, James Milner, Thiago Alcántara, Roberto Firmino and Fabinho, have all been sidelined already this season — but only two of the lot have returned to the pitch, Thiago and Fabinho, with Elliott training on his own.

There were additional scares that followed in the final international break of the year 2021, Sadio Mane sustained a rib injury while Jordan Henderson underwent scans on an unknown issue, Robertson was also removed early for a suspected hamstring injury in Scottland’s win over the Danes.

It was first thought to be “worst-case scenario for the Reds” but now they have been awarded a triple boost ahead of Saturday’s mammoth fixture.

Liverpool expect three first-team players to be ready for selection on Saturday

Both Mane and Henderson’s respective precautions could have paid off with the pair pictured back in training, along with Milner, who has been missing since they drubbed Manchester United last month.

"Liverpool have been handed a major injury boost ahead of Saturday’s Premier League showdown against Arsenal with three key players back in training.Jordan Henderson, Sadio Mane and James Milner were all spotted being put through their paces at Kirkby on Tuesday ahead of the weekend visit of the Gunners. (Via: liverpoolecho.co.uk)"

This is great news despite Mane missing a sitter against West Ham United that could have saved a point, he has also contributed with six goals of the 31 goals the club has collected in the 11 games played.

He will be more than welcomed with Bobby Firmino still missing from action with a hamstring injury and Divock Origi picking up a knock while playing his first international game after two years.

With the Mane boost comes the Hendo relief; the captain’s engine is needed and with Fabinho back in the fold, he can operate in his more favourable role, running up and down the pitch — a role where he dominates the middle of the park far better.

Milner’s experience for a Gunner game will never be undermined. He is an important figure that slots in anywhere — and with Hendo maybe not fit for a full 90 minutes of action, Milner can step in and see out the result at Anfield on Saturday.

The Reds need this victory, not only to get back to winning ways but to also stay within reach of Chelsea and others in what’s looking like a healthy and competitive title race.