Liverpool is gearing up for a high-stakes Premier League showdown against Manchester United at Anfield this Sunday.
However, uncertainty looms over the availability of several key players, leaving manager Arne Slot with significant decisions to make for this blockbuster North West derby.
Ibrahima Konaté’s Potential Return Unclear
Defender Ibrahima Konaté, who has been sidelined since sustaining a knee injury during Liverpool’s Champions League triumph over Real Madrid more than a month ago, remains a doubt for the match. The injury, inflicted by a reckless challenge from Real Madrid substitute Endrick, has kept the French international out of action for eight consecutive games.
Although Slot hinted last week that Konaté could return to training ahead of the clash, his readiness to feature on Sunday remains uncertain. Even if declared fit, Konaté is likely to start on the bench, with youngster Jarell Quansah expected to partner Virgil van Dijk in the heart of the defense. This would be a critical adjustment following Joe Gomez’s recent hamstring injury, which he sustained during Liverpool’s emphatic 5-0 victory over West Ham United.
Conor Bradley Also Facing Fitness Concerns
Another player whose availability is in question is Conor Bradley. The right-back has not featured since the Real Madrid match due to a hamstring issue sustained in the dying moments of that game. Similar to Konaté, there is a chance that Bradley could return to training before the weekend, but his match fitness remains a concern for the Liverpool boss.
Federico Chiesa Working on Fitness Levels
Summer signing Federico Chiesa, who joined from Juventus, was notably absent from Liverpool’s squad during their recent win at West Ham. Despite being named on the bench for the previous fixture against Leicester City, Slot confirmed that the Italian forward stayed back on Merseyside to focus on improving his sharpness and intensity.
Chiesa has only made four appearances for the Reds since his summer arrival and previously missed the 6-3 win over Tottenham before Christmas due to illness. It remains to be seen if he will make the squad for the Manchester United encounter.
Suspension Risks Add to Liverpool’s Dilemma
Adding to Liverpool’s selection headaches is the fact that four of their players — Ibrahima Konaté, Ryan Gravenberch, Cody Gakpo, and Darwin Núñez — are one yellow card away from a one-match suspension. With Sunday’s game being the final one before the Premier League’s 19-game amnesty for yellow cards kicks in, Slot will need to manage his squad carefully to avoid further absences in the crucial matches ahead.
As Liverpool prepares for one of the most anticipated fixtures of their season, injuries and suspension risks could play a decisive role in shaping the squad. The potential return of Konaté and Bradley would provide a welcome boost, but questions remain over their readiness. Meanwhile, Federico Chiesa’s fitness journey continues, leaving fans hoping for a fully-fit squad as the Reds aim to secure a pivotal victory against their bitter rivals.
The next few days will be crucial as Liverpool monitors the fitness of these key players, with the Anfield faithful eagerly awaiting updates on the lineup for Sunday’s derby.
The Information is Collected from Liverpoolecho and Yahoo.
