With Joe Gomez set to be out for “some time” with a brand new hamstring damage, the main target will flip to Ibrahima Konate and his return from a long-term knee difficulty.
Gomez is anticipated to be sidelined for “fairly a bit” after pulling his hamstring in opposition to West Ham, as Arne Slot instructed 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 top coach instructed 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 least two weeks and as many as 10, relying on the outcomes of a scan initially of the week, Slot would require a substitute.
For the quick time period that might be Jarell Quansah, however the Dutchman is hopeful Konate might be again in rivalry 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, may very well be accessible in opposition to Man United on January 5.
“They won’t be again for West Ham, however then there’s every week in between, so let’s see how shut they’re then,” he instructed 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 likewise for them they’re in competitors with gamers who’re fully match and are doing very well.
“I’ve to make the correct judgement the second they’re again with the crew.”
Liverpool’s medical workers have been cautious with Konate’s health this season and that’s unlikely to alter regardless of Gomez additionally being out.
Subsequently whereas the Frenchman may very well be hopeful of a spot on the bench subsequent Sunday, even that may very well 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
