Image Credits: Imago Images
Liverpool returned to winning ways with emphatic victories over Qarabag and Newcastle United, responding strongly to their defeat against AFC Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.
The Reds welcomed back Ibrahima Konate following a period of bereavement, though Arne Slot remains short of defensive options, with both senior right-backs unavailable. That situation has forced tactical adjustments, with Dominik Szoboszlai filling in at right-back and Ryan Gravenberch used in central defence.
Jeremie Frimpong’s injury problems have continued, with the defender forced off after just four minutes against Qarabag. While Arne Slot was initially unsure of the severity, he offered a more positive update ahead of the Newcastle clash.
“He is out for a few weeks,” the Liverpool boss said. “But [it’s] not as bad as we thought he would be out. It’s something positive from something not so positive.”
Joe Gomez was forced off in the defeat at Bournemouth, leaving Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate as Liverpool’s only senior centre-backs. Arne Slot ruled Gomez out against Newcastle but expects him to return as soon as next week.
Conor Bradley is out for the season with a knee injury after being withdrawn in the goalless draw at Arsenal, having avoided a serious ACL rupture but requiring surgery. He will also miss Northern Ireland’s World Cup play-off against Italy in March.
Summer signing Alexander Isak has been sidelined since December with a fractured fibula, having undergone surgery on his ankle and leg after scoring in Tottenham’s 2-1 defeat. Another summer signing, Giovanni Leoni, tore his ACL on his debut against Southampton in September and is expected to be out for around a year.
Meanwhile, 19-year-old Amara Nallo, who was on the bench against Newcastle, was forced off injured in the 85th minute of Liverpool U19s’ 2-1 UEFA Youth League loss to MSK Zilina on Tuesday, replaced by Lucus Clarke.
Liverpool will host Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday in a key Premier League clash. The Reds sit 6th with 39 points, while City are 2nd on 47, making the fixture pivotal for both sides’ league ambitions.
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