The very latest on the Liverpool injury and availability situation before the huge Premier League match against Manchester City at Anfield
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Liverpool's Dutch manager Arne Slot and Liverpool's Northern Irish defender #84 Conor Bradley celebrates after the UEFA Champions League football match between Liverpool and Real Madrid at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on November 27, 2024. Liverpool won the match 2-0. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP) (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)
Arne Slot and Conor Bradley celebrate after Liverpool's win over Real Madrid
(Image: OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)
Having vanquished Real Madrid in style to make it five wins from five and move back to the top of the new-look Champions League group stage, Liverpool turn their attention back to Premier League on Sunday. And what a match it should be as Manchester City visit Anfield.
It could a pivotal match, too. Leaders Liverpool will go into the game eight points clear of second-placed Manchester City, who know a sixth defeat in seven outings would all but end their hopes of winning the title for a record fifth year in succession.
While Pep Guardiola's side stopped the rot by drawing 3-3 at home to Arne Slot's former club Feyenoord in the Champions League on Tuesday night, it felt anything but a positive result given they threw a three-goal lead away in chaotic closing stages.
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The Reds, in contrast, marched on magnificently the following evening as they deservedly beat reigning champions Madrid 2-0 at Anfield. The victory did, however, come at a cost, with Conor Bradley and Ibrahima Konate both picking up knocks.
Given Liverpool head coach Slot was already without four key first-team members, the last thing he needed was too see more players enter the treatment room before a contest that could go a long way to deciding the Premier League title.
And, ahead of the City game, we talk a look at the Reds injury latest...
Conor Bradley
Injury: Hamstring
After a stunning display that he capped with a ferocious tackle on Kylian Mbappe and an assist for Alexis Mac Allister's opener, Bradley was forced off with a few minutes remaining on Wednesday with what appeared a hamstring injury.
Arne Slot admitted the player was yet to be fully assessed but that the nature of his departure on Wednesday did not look good. It would therefore be a surprise if he was able to feature against Manchester City.
Possible return date: Unknown
Ibrahima Konate
Injury: Unclear
Konate took a heavy knock to his leg in a challenge by Madrid substitute Endrick in the last action of the match and required lengthy treatment after the final whistle before limping off.
Again, Slot explained that the way Konate limped from the pitch didn't look good as Liverpool waited on further analysis. The Frenchman could therefore sit out of the Man City game.
Possible return date: Unknown.
Alisson Becker
Injury: Hamstring
Liverpool's No.1 Alisson Becker has been missing since the 1-0 victory at Crystal Palace on October 5. At the time it was suggested that the new hamstring injury he sustained would rule him out for a minimum of six weeks, which would see him return after the international break.
However, there is still no sign yet of the Brazil international returning to training alongside the other first-team goalkeepers including Caoimhin Kelleher, who has once again proved to be such an able deputy, saving an Mbappe penalty against Madrid in midweek.
Possible return date: Unknown
Federico Chiesa
Injury: Unknown
Federico Chiesa has now missed Liverpool's last 11 matches with an unspecified issue. But there appears to be some light at the end of the tunnel.
After doing some individual work at Tuesday's opening training session, the Italy international forward joined up with the main group and was all smiles. However, Chiesa was not involved in the squad against Madrid.
Possible return date: Newcastle United (A), Premier League, December 4
Kostas Tsimikas
Injury: Ankle
Kostas Tsimikas was a surprise absentee from the squad that travelled to Southampton at the weekend. But it has since transpired that the Greece international left-back is facing a short spell on the sidelines after injuring his ankle in training.
Possible return date: Unknown
Diogo Jota
Injury: Upper body
Diogo Jota was injured early on against Chelsea on October 20 after he was hauled down near the halfway line by Tosin Adaraiboyo. The Portugal international striker hasn't played since and he was again absent for yesterday's open training session.
Slot had previously said: "We expect him back after the international break. Now, after the international break is six or seven months (of the season) to go!
"He will be back one or two weeks after the international break."
Possible return date: Newcastle United (A), Premier League, December 4