EPL: Injury hits Liverpool squad against Aston Villa as seven players ruled out

Liverpool’s return to Premier League action is almost upon us as they take on Aston Villa.

The Reds travel to Villa Park for their Boxing Day clash in the top flight. It sees them play their first Premier League fixture since November 12, when they beat Southampton 3-1 at Anfield.

Jurgen Klopp’s side have already returned to action following their World Cup. Liverpool were beaten 3-2 by Manchester City on Thursday night in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.

Liverpool go into the game in sixth place in the Premier League table, and have several fitness concerns going into the game. Klopp will have to cope with many of his first-choice players being unavailable.

James Milner suffered an injury during the defeat to Man City, while Roberto Firmino is also sidelined. Curtis Jones and Arthur Melo join the Reds vice-captain as other midfield options unavailable.

Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz are long-term absentees through injury. Meanwhile Ibrahima Konate is yet to return to training after being given extra time off due to being with France for their run to the World Cup final.

Here is the expected full Liverpool squad to face Aston Villa in the Premier League, barring any late injury concerns.

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Goalkeepers: Adrian, Alisson, Caoimhin Kelleher.

Defenders: Andy Robertson, Joe Gomez, Joel Matip, Kostas Tsimikas, Nat Phillips, Calvin Ramsay, Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Midfielders : Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Fabio Carvalho, Fabinho, Harvey Elliott, Jordan Henderson, Thiago Alcantara, Naby Keita, Stefan Bajcetic.

Forwards: Darwin Nunez, Mohamed Salah, Bobby Clark, Ben Doak.

Sidelined: Ibrahima Konate (rested), Arthur Melo (muscle issue), James Milner (injury), Curtis Jones (injury), Luis Diaz (knee), Diogo Jota (calf injury), Roberto Firmino (injury).