Image Credits: Imago Images
One win away from securing a Champions League last-16 spot, Liverpool host Qarabag FK at Anfield in Wednesday’s league-phase finale. The Reds are fourth in the table on 15 points after a comfortable 3-0 win over Marseille last time out.
Qarabag sit 18th with 10 points and while a 20th-place finish would still be enough for the play-offs, pressure remains with strong sides close behind them. History offers little encouragement for the visitors.
Qarabag have lost seven of their first eight European meetings with English clubs and have never won away in England, losing all four such matches by an aggregate score of 13-1. Their only positive recent result was a 2-2 home draw with Chelsea earlier this season.
Liverpool’s European form under Arne Slot has been formidable. Since his appointment in 2024, the Reds boast the highest Champions League win rate (76.5%), winning 13 of 17 matches under the Dutchman.
The Reds have been plagued by injuries ahead of clash with Qarabag, with Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konate both ruled out. Gomez was forced off during last weekend’s defeat at AFC Bournemouth, and Arne Slot was asked on Tuesday whether there is a clear timescale for the defender’s return, with the Liverpool boss confirming the issue remains under assessment.
The 47-year-old said: “No, not really. But I can confirm that he is not available for tomorrow evening.” Slot later added: “I expect him back in a relatively short time.” Konate, meanwhile, has missed the last two matches for personal reasons and will also be unavailable for Wednesday’s clash with Qarabag.
Slot said: “Of course I spoke to him and if you know why he is not here, of course we both know that he is having a hard time. I’m hoping and expecting him back soon, but also not for tomorrow evening’s game.”
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