CONFIRMED. This is the return date for Trent, Alisson and Curtis

As Pep Lijnders reveals the extended absence of important players Alisson, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Curtis Jones, Liverpool’s injury worries grow. The Reds’ assistant manager, Lijnders, broke the bad news about Alexander-Arnold and Jones’ injuries, shattering early expectations of a prompt recovery.

Lijnders reports that Jota has a medial ligament (MCL) problem, Alexander-Arnold has a setback involving his LCL (lateral collateral ligament), and Alisson is dealing with a muscular ailment. Conversely, Jones is unable to play due to a high ankle sprain. According to Lijnders, the outlook for their comeback is also not promising; Curtis may be the first to recuperate around the impending international break, with the others likely to follow suit after that.

Alisson is out due to a hamstring injury he suffered during practice prior to Brentford’s match, while Jones also received an injury during that same game. Alexander-Arnold’s knee issues, which have returned, have their roots in a three-week layoff.

Jota’s MCL injury against Brentford is expected to keep him out for a considerable amount of time, which only makes matters worse. Therefore, this quartet’s obvious absence from Liverpool’s crucial Premier League match against Manchester City—which is set for March 10—comes just days after the team’s first-leg Europa League matchup.

The situation is made worse by Liverpool’s crowded schedule:

February 25, League Cup final versus Chelsea

Premier League away at Nottingham Forest on March 2, FA Cup fifth round match at home against Southampton on February 28; Premier League away at Sparta Prague on March 7; Premier League matchup at home against Manchester City on March 10; and European League matchup at home against Sparta Prague on March 14.

Possible FA Cup quarterfinal on March 17 at home versus Everton

Liverpool’s depth and resiliency will be put to the test as they attempt to manage this difficult schedule without essential players.