Fitness updates on Liverpool's many injured stars

As we are all still floating in the clouds following Sunday's dramatics in the League Cup Final win over Chelsea, Monday brings a bit of a sobering reality check. The ever crowded trainers room is still full of world class talent.

While the Reds found a way to battle past Chelsea with a handful of youngsters in the side, that might not be the healthiest option going forward as the fixtures keep coming hard and fast.

Let's take a look at the status of some of the many players that have been missing.

Mohamed Salah

Salah made an instant impact in his return to the club following his injury while away on national team duty with Egypt at AFCON. He provided a goal and an assist in the 4-1 thumping of Brentford.

He then felt something again in his muscle and missed out on the Luton Town win last week. He was seen training as the club took their time with him. With still so many big matches to come he was not risked in the League Cup Final but his return could sooner than later.

Perhaps even midweek against Southampton in the FA Cup.

Ryan Gravenberch

The Dutchman was so unlucky to have his first experience in a Cup Final with Liverpool ended prematurely by a brutal challenge from Moises Caicedo.

He was stretchered off and was in a boot on a crutches during the post-match celebrations. Although he did seem to be in good spirits. Jurgen Klopp had a bit of an update on his status;

"They did an X-ray, so it's not broken but the ligaments got something and that's how it is."

Darwin Nunez

Like Salah, Nunez was in training at times last week after he was taken off at halftime of the Brentford match.

He was another that the staff deemed it not the right time to risk him as his game is predicated on pace and power, so he needs to be 100% when he takes the field once again. Although, seeing his quite animated celebrations during and after the match, he was looking quite spry!

I expect a midweek start for Darwin as he looks to fire the Reds into the next round of the FA Cup. About an hour should do it in my opinion. If they went the other way and brought him on as a super sub for 35 minutes I would not be opposed to that either.

Dominik Szoboszlai

The Hungary National Team Captain had an outside chance of participating in the League Cup Final but could not recover fully in time.

He, like Darwin and Salah, looks much closer to a return than the other players that are currently out. With Gravenberch going down, a Szoboszlai return could come at the right time for the midfield.

I think he starts the FA Cup match midweek but, like Darwin, should not go the full 90. However, he has shown to be a player that when he starts he typically finishes the match as well. Give him 75 minutes and save him for the weekend.

Trent Alexander-Arnold

Trent was seen sporting a knee brace as the squad entered Wembley, so his return is still a ways off as he continues to battle back.

There is not much new to report on Alexander-Arnold as he's in a holding pattern as the medical staff gets him back on track. No set timetable for him to be back, but he's inching his way towards being in contention again.

As for other players such as Alisson, Diogo Jota and Curtis Jones, they will still be out for a good chunk of time. Jones could be the first of that trio to return, but it's still too early to call.