With Joe Gomez set to be out for “some time” with a brand new hamstring damage, the main focus will flip to Ibrahima Konate and his return from a long-term knee situation.
Gomez is predicted to be sidelined for “fairly a bit” after pulling his hamstring in opposition to West Ham, as Arne Slot advised Sky Sports activities.
“In a dash, everyone knows it’s a hamstring and everyone knows it’s going to take some time earlier than he’s again,” the pinnacle coach advised reporters.
It’s a gutting setback for Gomez, who was on a run of eight begins in a primary half of the season that has seen him in any other case keep away from damage.
However with it possible he’s lacking for at the very least two weeks and as many as 10, relying on the outcomes of a scan firstly of the week, Slot would require a alternative.
For the quick time period that shall be Jarell Quansah, however the Dutchman is hopeful Konate shall be again in competition quickly sufficient.
Slot was requested earlier than the journey to West Ham whether or not Konate and Conor Bradley, who’ve each been out for a month, might be accessible in opposition to Man United on January 5.
“They won’t be again for West Ham, however then there’s per week in between, so let’s see how shut they’re then,” he advised reporters.
“It’s tough for me to inform you at this second, as a result of they don’t practice with the group but.
“However hopefully within the upcoming days they arrive nearer to that state of affairs.
“Ibou has been out for 5, six weeks possibly, Conor simply as lengthy, and in addition for them they’re in competitors with gamers who’re utterly match and are doing very well.
“I’ve to make the suitable judgement the second they’re again with the group.”
Liverpool’s medical employees have been cautious with Konate’s health this season and that’s unlikely to alter regardless of Gomez additionally being out.
Due to this fact whereas the Frenchman might be hopeful of a spot on the bench subsequent Sunday, even that might be uncertain, with Slot prone to ease him again in.
The FA Cup third spherical conflict with Accrington Stanley on January 11 could also be a smart return date, with Quansah beginning in opposition to Man United after which Tottenham within the Carabao Cup semi-final.
Nonetheless Konate’s restoration comes at a well timed juncture, with it seemingly not lengthy earlier than he’s match sufficient to take over as Virgil van Dijk‘s centre-back accomplice once more.
West Ham 0-5 Liverpool
