With Joe Gomez set to be out for “some time” with a brand new hamstring harm, the main focus will flip to Ibrahima Konate and his return from a long-term knee concern.
Gomez is predicted 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 harm.
However with it doubtless he’s lacking for a minimum of two weeks and as many as 10, relying on the outcomes of a scan initially of the week, Slot would require a alternative.
For the brief 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, may very well be out there 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 perhaps, Conor simply as lengthy, and in addition for them they’re in competitors with gamers who’re fully match and are doing very well.
“I’ve to make the suitable judgement the second they’re again with the staff.”
Liverpool’s medical employees have been cautious with Konate’s health this season and that’s unlikely to vary regardless of Gomez additionally being out.
Due to this fact 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 more likely 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 associate once more.
West Ham 0-5 Liverpool
