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Liverpool injury news and return dates: Ryan Gravenberch, Wataru Endo, Mohamed Salah

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Liverpool injury news and return dates: Ryan Gravenberch, Wataru Endo, Mohamed Salah

Liverpool won the League Cup for a 10th time with a dramatic victory over Chelsea at Wembley.

The Reds claimed a 1-0 win in extra time over Chelsea thanks to a Virgil van Dijk header. The Dutchman thought he had scored earlier in the game, only for the goal to be disallowed by VAR.

It was a Van Dijk header from a Kostas Tsimikas corner in the 118th minute that won the game and the trophy for Liverpool. It was a record 10th League Cup triumph for the Reds in the club’s history and the second during Klopp’s tenure as manager.

After the euphoria of winning a major trophy settles, attention will soon be focusing on the FA Cup. The Reds face Southampton at Anfield in the fifth round of the competition on Wednesday night, and Klopp will be forced to deal with a lengthy injury list.

Wataru Endo

Wataru Endo played the full 120 minutes minutes against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final.

After the post-match celebrations and trophy lift, Endo was spotted leaving Wembley Stadium on crutches while wearing a protective boot due to suffering an ankle injury. Liverpool will be hoping the midfielder’s injury is not too serious but it remains to be seen if he will be available to face Southampton.

Expected return date: Unknown.

Ryan Gravenberch

Ryan Gravenberch was substituted during the first half of the Carabao Cup final win over Chelsea.

Gravenberch was on the receiving end of a tackle from Moises Caicedo, which did not result in a booking or a red card. The Liverpool midfielder was stretchered off the pitch and is now expected to undergo further assessment before a timeframe for a return is given.

Expected return date: Unknown

Mohamed Salah

Mohamed Salah has missed Liverpool’s last two matches with a muscle injury.

Salah was sidelined with the injured for several weeks after returning from the Africa Cup of Nations. He made his return as a substitute against Brentford, and Klopp will hope to have Salah back available for the FA Cup tie against Southampton.

Expected return date: Southampton (February 28).

Diogo Jota

Diogo Jota is expected to be on the sidelines for at least a few weeks with a knee injury.

The Portugal international suffered the injury during the win over Brentford on February 17 and was stretchered off the field. Jota suffered an MCL injury and it remains to be seen when the forward will return to the matchday squad.

Expected return date: April.

Curtis Jones

Curtis Jones suffered an ankle injury during the first half of the win against Brentford.

The midfielder has missed the last two games with the injury and was spotted wearing a protective boot and on crutches at Wembley Stadium for the Carabao Cup final. Liverpool will hope to have Jones back sometime next month, most likely after the international break.

Expected return date: Mid-March

Darwin Nunez

Darwin Nunez has missed Liverpool’s last two matches with a muscle injury.

The striker told Klopp that he “felt something” during the win over Brentford and was substituted at half-time. He missed the game against Luton Town and Chelsea, and it remains to be seen if he will be available to face Southampton in the FA Cup.

Expected return date: Southampton (February 28).

Trent Alexander-Arnold

Trent Alexander-Arnold is currently sidelined with a knee injury and faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Alexander-Arnold was substituted at half-time during the 3-1 win over Burnley on February 10. He has since been in recovery from the knee injury and is not expected to return until after the international break.

Expected return date: Late March/early April

Alisson Becker

Alisson Becker is currently on the sidelines recovering from a hamstring injury.

The Brazilian missed the win over Burnley through illness and has subsequently been absent from the victories over Brentford, Luton and Chelsea with a hamstring injury. Alisson is not expected to return until after the March international break.

Expected return date: Late March/early April

Dominik Szoboszlai

Dominik Szoboszlai is recovering from a hamstring injury that has kept him on the sidelines for the majority of 2024.

The Hungary international first sustained the injury on New Year’s Day and made his return against Chelsea on January 31 before suffering a similar injury during the game. Szoboszlai has been building up his recovery and Liverpool will hope to have the midfielder back available as soon as possible.

Expected return date: Southampton (February 28).

Thiago Alcantara

Thiago Alcantara faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.

The midfielder made his return from a nine-month lay-off with a five-minute cameo against Arsenal on February 4. He suffered a hamstring injury during the game and no timeframe has been given for a return, although Klopp has said he hopes to call on Thiago again this season.

Expected return date: Unknown.

Long-term absentees: Joel Matip, Stefan Bajcetic and Ben Doak all remain absent for the foreseeable future with long-term injuries and are not expected to return anytime soon.

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Matthew Stafford, the former quarterback for the Lions, is predicted to be replaced in a surprise move.

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Matthew Stafford, the former quarterback for the Lions, is predicted to be replaced in a surprise move.

Matthew Stafford, a quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams and a former Detroit Lion, is at the heart of the most recent blockbuster trade proposal.

As evidenced by his gift of an autographed Stafford jersey to a Lions fan who sold it to take his daughter to the Lions’ playoff game against the Washington Commanders, former Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford still has a soft spot for his hometown. He joined the Los Angeles Rams in 2021, though, and he appears ready to play in the NFL for at least another season.

It is now anticipated that Stafford will eventually be replaced by a quarterback who has a lot of starting experience but hasn’t yet made an impression.

The former quarterback for the Detroit Lions is once again at the center of trade rumors.

NFL analyst and expert Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports offers a list of offseason quarterback trade blockbusters in a feature published on January 28. It’s not outlandish to believe that there may be a lot of veteran quarterback trading taking place during the offseason, even though some teams may choose to fill their quarterback voids with college quarterbacks selected in the 2025 NFL Draft. This class isn’t the best in terms of signal-callers.

“A number of high-profile starters are on track to become free agents in March, and a number of others could also be available via trade,” Benjamin says in the feature. Benjamin’s total includes 17 quarterbacks who were traded to different teams.

Daniel Jones, a former New York Giants and current Minnesota Vikings quarterback, will join the Rams as a replacement for Stafford in the future, according to Benjamin. Although he doesn’t believe Jones will take Stafford’s place immediately, Benjamin argues that Rams coach Sean McVay will want to lead Jones to victory.

Benjamin stated in the feature that “Matthew Stafford is the undisputed starter if he returns, but he’s soon to be 37.” “Sean McVay needs a younger arm to grow, and he has previously supported reclamation projects (like Baker Mayfield).”

According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the former Lions quarterback does not yet have plans to retire, despite the fact that he will turn 37 in February. He has two options: stay with the Rams or leave. Additionally, Stafford and the Rams still need to reach an agreement, according to Rapoport.

From The Insiders in Mobile: According to sources, Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford intends to return and play in 2025, but a deal will probably need to be negotiated, Rapoport wrote in a post on X on January 29.

After the Rams’ playoff loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, Stafford echoed that sentiment. Stafford told reporters at a press conference after the game that “I feel like I was playing some pretty good ball” and that he would “take some time to think about” the possibility of retiring.

Stafford specifically responded, “Sure feels like it,” when a reporter asked him if he still had football left in him.

Last summer, Stafford signed an adjusted contract with the Rams, which has a $49.66 million cap hit.

The Honolulu Blue quarterback trade proposal is rejected.

Benjamin makes no mention of any quarterback trade rumors involving the Detroit Lions in his article. Although Goff is obviously off the table, backup quarterback Hendon Hooker has been mentioned as a potential trade target in the NFL community at large.

But according to John Maakaron’s February 2 feature for Sports Illustrated, that isn’t the case.

According to people familiar with the situation, new offensive coordinator John Morton is very interested in the quarterbacks on the Lions’ roster, including Hooker. “Those close to Hooker expect him to stay in Motown to continue his development,” he said.

Erickson, AnneAward-winning reporter Anne Erickson works for Heavy.com, where she covers college football and the NFL. With years of experience covering the NFL and other sports, Erickson’s work has appeared on Fox Sports, ESPN, and other outlets. She has conducted interviews with some of the biggest names in sports, such as Jared Goff of the Detroit Lions. Erickson is a radio host from Detroit who also hosts a number of podcasts.Additional information about Anne Erickson

 

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SAINTS NEWS: ALVIN KAMARA’S HARD WORK AND DETERMINATION EARN HIM NFL’S BEST PLAYER HONOR AFTER HISTORIC WIN…

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SAINTS NEWS: ALVIN KAMARA’S HARD WORK AND DETERMINATION EARN HIM NFL’S BEST PLAYER HONOR AFTER HISTORIC WIN…

Alvin Kamara is far from finished, and his greatest moments may still lie ahead.

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin

Kamara has been named the NFL’s Best

Player following a historic victory that

showcased his exceptional talent, work

ethic, and leadership on the field.

Kamara, known for his electrifying

speed, versatility, and game-changing

ability, has once again proven why he is

one of the league’s most dominant

playmakers.

With this prestigious honor, Kamara

cements his place among the NFL’s elite,

solidifying his reputation as a player who

consistently delivers when it matters

most. His performance in the Saints’

latest triumph was nothing short of

spectacular, leaving fans, analysts, and

opponents in awe of his incredible skill

set.

A Performance for the Ages.

Kamara’s path to earning the title of the

NFL’s Best Player was paved with

breathtaking plays and jaw-dropping

stats. In the Saints’ latest victory, he put

on a masterclass, torching the opposing

defense with a combination of explosive

runs, precise route running, and clutch

plays that secured the win for New

Orleans.

“There’s no one like him in the league

right now,” said an NFL analyst. “His

ability to impact the game in so many

ways—whether it’s as a runner, receiver,

or even a decoy—makes him an absolute

nightmare for defenses.”

From breaking tackles to making

defenders miss in the open field,

Kamara’s ability to dominate the game

was on full display. His historic

performance saw him rack up

impressive stats, reinforcing why he

remains one of the most feared offensive

weapons in football.

The Road to Greatness.

Kamara’s journey to becoming the NFL’s

Best Player has been defined by hard

work, resilience, and an unwavering

commitment to excellence. Since

entering the league, he has been a

consistent force in the Saints’ offense,

delivering highlight-reel moments

season after season.

Despite facing challenges along the way,

Kamara’s dedication to improving his

craft has never wavered. His offseason

training, attention to detail, and

relentless drive to be the best have all

contributed to his rise to superstardom.

“This award is a reflection of the work I

put in every day,” Kamara said. “I love

this game, and I’m always striving to be

better. But this is just the beginning—

there’s still more to accomplish.”

The Impact on the Saints.

Kamara’s dominance isn’t just about

individual accolades—it’s about elevating

his team. The Saints have relied heavily

on his ability to change the game in an

instant, whether it’s through a crucial

third-down conversion, a game-breaking

touchdown, or an explosive play that

swings momentum in their favor.

His leadership extends beyond the field

as well. Teammates and coaches

frequently praise his work ethic and

ability to inspire those around him. As

the Saints continue their quest for

another championship, Kamara’s

presence will be a key factor in their

success.

What’s Next for Kamara?

Winning the NFL’s Best Player award is a

monumental achievement, but for

Kamara, it’s just another step in his

pursuit of greatness. With his sights set

on leading the Saints to further success,

he remains focused on improving,

adapting, and finding new ways to

dominate the game.

As the season progresses, all eyes will be

on Kamara to see how he builds on this

remarkable achievement. If his past

performances are any indication, fans

can expect more unforgettable moments

from the Saints’ superstar.

One thing is certain—Alvin Kamara isn’t

done yet, and the best may still be to

come.

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Five Detroit Lions free agents who could join Aaron Glenn at the New York Jets

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Five Detroit Lions free agents who could join Aaron Glenn at the New York Jets

Aaron Glenn could try to bring one or more of the Lions’ free agents with him to the Jets.
Aaron Glenn has been named the new head coach of the New York Jets, following weeks of speculation.

So the Detroit Lions are looking for a new defensive coordinator, which is exactly what head coach Dan Campbell expected. While some Lions assistant coaches may follow Glenn to New York, it’s possible that some players may also leave in free agency.

According to reports, Glenn is looking for an experienced defensive coordinator, and Steve Wilks has been mentioned frequently since Glenn took over as head coach of the Jets. But the Jets’ core defensive philosophy will undoubtedly bear Glenn’s imprint, which is to say (assuming he brings his philosophy from Detroit) that they will blitz frequently and play a lot of man coverage.

The Jets appear to have some defensive players who fit Glenn’s defensive style well. But he will undoubtedly want some players who are already familiar with his scheme/philosophy and who fit in well. And, when it comes down to it, some upcoming Lions free agents who developed a relationship with Glenn during his four years in Detroit may be willing to follow him to New York.

Here are five upcoming Lions free agents who may follow Glenn to New York.

5 Lions 2025 free agents who could join Aaron Glenn at the Jets
5. DE Marcus Davenport

The Lions took a one-year chance on Davenport last offseason, and while this year’s injury was rather random (an arm/elbow injury when Cardinals offensive tackle Paris Johnson chopped down on his arm in Week 3), the undeniable reality is he just can’t stay healthy (six games played over the last two seasons). He has also had only three sacks in his last 21 games, indicating that his potential as a former first-round pick is fading quickly.

So Davenport will be joining his fourth team in as many seasons in 2025. Where that will be is unclear, as his options are likely limited.

Glenn was a member of the New Orleans Saints’ coaching staff when he was draughted 14th overall in 2018. As far as low-risk options for bolstering their pass rush are concerned, the Jets could do worse than Davenport.

4. DL John Cominsky

Cominsky missed the entire 2024 season after tearing the MCL in his right knee during training camp. In his previous two seasons with the Lions, he had 66 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, six sacks, and 20 quarterback hits as a useful and versatile defensive lineman.

Cominsky found a home in Detroit after being claimed off waivers in 2022. This season’s injury makes it unlikely that he will be re-signed this offseason, but reuniting with Glenn in New York is definitely possible as the Jets retool their defence.

3. LB Derrick Barnes

Barnes’ 2024 season ended early (Week 3) due to a torn MCL and PCL in his right knee from a low block.His ACL remained intact, so there appeared to be a slim chance he could have returned before the season was over. But that was resolved before the regular season ended, and the Lions’ playoff run was short-lived.

Barnes has matured into an excellent all-around off-ball linebacker in Glenn’s defensive scheme over the last few seasons. Aside from any concerns about his injury recovery in March, the Lions have some good depth at linebacker and could let him go on the open market without fear of not being able to replace him.

Barnes was a college defensive end who made the full transition to linebacker once he reached the NFL. Glenn would value that versatility, as well as his familiarity with him. The Jets’ new defensive scheme (again, assuming Glenn’s success in Detroit) would necessitate more traditionally sized linebackers, rather than Jamien Sherwood, who thrived in the previous scheme this season but is a converted safety (216 pounds).

2. DL Levi Onwuzurike.

Onwuzurike was finally 100% healthy this season, and it showed. His traditional surface stats won’t blow your mind (28 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, one tackle for loss), but he did have 13 quarterback pressures (according to Pro Football Reference), and Pro Football Focus ranked him as a top-25 defensive tackle in the NFL.According to PFF, his pass-rush win rate of 12.5% ranked him among the top 15 defensive tackles.

“Onwuzurike has flashed whenever he’s been healthy during his first four seasons in the league, after being draughted one round ahead of recently extended interior defender Alim McNeill in 2021. The former second-round pick from Washington is the penetrating three-technique interior pass-rusher that every team covets, with a 12.5% pass-rush win rate in 2024 ranking among the top-15 at the position.”
-Professional Football Focus

One fully healthy season, no matter how good it was, will not allow Onwuzurike to completely break the bank in free agency (PFF projects a two-year, $16.5 million contract with $10 million guaranteed). However, he has most likely priced himself out of the Lions’ ability to re-sign him, leaving the Jets (and Glenn) as an easy landing spot.

1. CB Carlton Davis.

Davis proved to be the Lions’ ideal veteran cornerback this season, with his skills (77.0 passer rating allowed, 11 pass breakups) and swagger. He also finished the season sidelined with a broken jaw, continuing a run of injuries dating back to his time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He has missed at least four games in each of the previous four seasons, and durability concerns persist as players age.

During the Lions’ season-ending press conference on Thursday, general manager Brad Holmes acknowledged Davis’ outstanding performance and stated that no contract talks are currently underway.

“I thought we got some great play from him. I’ll be honest, I thought he played better this year than the previous year, or last year in Tampa, and he’ll tell you the same thing,” Holmes said. “So, no intense action yet, but we’re very aware of it and we’ll go through our normal process.”

Sauce Gardner is obviously the Jets’ top cornerback. However, D.J. Reed, a running mate, is a free agent and appears to be seeking new opportunities.

“I’m ready for free agency, bro. “I’m ready to see what’s next for me,” Reed told Tyler Dunne on The Go Long podcast late this season.

Davis is an obvious replacement for Reed if the Jets must go that route, almost too easy, given his connection to Glenn and familiarity with the new defensive scheme. The Lions must strike a balance between Davis’ age (28) and how many years and money they can commit to him, which will be difficult given that he is likely to have multiple suitors.

Davis may want to stay in Detroit. However, Glenn’s attraction to the Jets, assuming they are interested, appears to be strong.

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Top Discussion: Who will have the better coaching career between Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn?

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Top Discussion: Who will have the better coaching career between Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn?

Detroit Lions’ Coordinators Move On: Who Will Have a Better Career?

The Detroit Lions are facing a significant challenge as they need to replace both their offensive and defensive coordinators. Ben Johnson has taken the reins as the Chicago Bears’ head coach, while Aaron Glenn will lead the New York Jets in 2025. As we look to the future, we’ll discuss potential candidates and analyze the Lions’ ultimate decisions. For now, let’s focus on Glenn and Johnson’s new endeavors

Each coach is stepping into vastly different situations, requiring distinct approaches. Johnson joins a Bears team that underperformed in 2024, finishing 5-12. However, they showed promise early in the season, and Johnson inherits a young, potential franchise quarterback, along with a solid defense. The Bears’ offense has struggled historically, and Johnson will face the challenge of revitalizing the unit while competing in a tough NFC North division.

On the other hand, Glenn takes over a Jets team with deeper organizational issues. The team’s owner, Woody Johnson, has been a lightning rod for controversy, and the franchise is in the process of hiring a new general manager. The Jets’ problems are more entrenched, requiring a complete overhaul of the team’s culture and foundation. Glenn will need to address the quarterback situation, whether by working with a 41-year-old signal-caller or finding a new one.

Given these circumstances, it’s likely that Ben Johnson will experience more immediate success with the Bears. He has a stronger foundation to build upon, and the team’s young quarterback shows promise. However, it’s Aaron Glenn who may ultimately become the better head coach. Glenn’s experience and understanding of the Jets’ organization could serve him well in rebuilding the team’s culture and foundation.

The NFC North will continue to be a highly competitive division, with established coaches like Kevin O’Connell, Dan Campbell, and Matt LaFleur. Johnson may face challenges in developing his young quarterback and overcoming the division’s stiff competition. In contrast, Glenn’s experience and knowledge of the Jets’ organization could help him rise to the top in an AFC East division that’s more up for grabs.

Who do you think will have the better career in their new homes?

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Jets Hire Aaron Glenn, Completely Change Course on GM Hire

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Jets Hire Aaron Glenn, Completely Change Course on GM Hire

Former Detroit Lions DC Aaron Glenn reacting in the middle of an NFL game.
The New York Jets have hired Aaron Glenn as the No. 21 head coach in franchise history.

ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter was the first to report the news on social media.

Shortly after the news broke, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero shared the shift that the Jets were making in the front office.

“With the Jets finalizing their expected deal with Aaron Glenn to be their head coach, the team now plans to proceed to additional second interviews for their GM job, per sources. Lance Newmark was in the building with Glenn on Monday and others remain under consideration,” Pelissero explained.

With the #Jets finalizing their expected deal with Aaron Glenn to be their head coach, the team now plans to proceed to additional second interviews for their GM job, per sources. Lance Newmark was in the building with Glenn on Monday and others remain under consideration.

Jets Now Have All The Time in The World to Make Their Decision
The green and white had a general manager opening before anyone else in this cycle. On November 19 the Jets fired Joe Douglas as the GM.

Despite having that opening for months, the Jets are now the last team that still has a vacancy.

The Tennessee Titans hired Kansas City Chiefs assistant GM Mike Borgonzi to be their new GM. On Wednesday, January 22 the Las Vegas Raiders hired John Spytek to fill the general manager role.

With the Jets being the final destination left, they have no one else to compete with for these top NFL execs.

Instead of just pairing Glenn with Lance Newmark they are completely reopening the GM search. Newmark was the only finalist from the first group, but the Jets plan on having second interviews with others from their list.

Jets Zigged When Others Would Zag
Gang Green hired Glenn, a head coach, before hiring a general manager.

That strategy is a bit unusual. Typically teams hire general managers and then they sit in on HC interviews to help find the next guy.

The Jets doing it in this way tells you how strongly they felt about Glenn.

Now the challenge will be finding the right guy to pair with Glenn. You want two guys who will be on the same page and ideally are aligned philosophically on the vision of the team and general roster construction.

Glenn and whoever the next GM will be don’t necessarily have to come from the same place, but the team needs to get it right.

Glenn might be doing the cooking in the kitchen, but the general manager shops for the ingredients. Communication is key in that relationship so the right groceries are being bought and everyone is following the right recipe to success.

The Jets haven’t made the playoffs in 14 seasons. It is the longest playoff drought in team history and the longest playoff drought in all of professional North American sports.

They needed a culture change and boy did they get a guy who knows all about them. If he can do it here in New York is a question no one has the answer to.

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