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 subject.
Gomez is predicted to be sidelined for “fairly a bit” after pulling his hamstring harm towards West Ham, as Arne Slot informed 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 pinnacle coach informed 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 seemingly he’s lacking for at the least two weeks and as many as 10, relying on the outcomes of a scan in the beginning of the week, Slot would require a alternative.
For the brief time period that can be Jarell Quansah, however the Dutchman is hopeful Konate can 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, might be out there towards Man United on January 5.
“They won’t be again for West Ham, however then there’s per week in between, so let’s see how shut they’re then,” he informed reporters.
“It’s tough for me to let you know 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 likewise for them they’re in competitors with gamers who’re fully match and are doing very well.
“I’ve to make the correct judgement the second they’re again with the staff.”
Liverpool’s medical workers have been cautious with Konate’s health this season and that’s unlikely to alter regardless of Gomez additionally being out.
Subsequently whereas the Frenchman might be hopeful of a spot on the bench subsequent Sunday, even that might 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 towards 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 accomplice once more.
West Ham 0-5 Liverpool
