Liverpool are facing the possibility of being without key defenders Ibrahima Konaté and Conor Bradley for their crucial Premier League clash against Manchester City this Sunday. Both players sustained injuries during their recent Champions League victory over Real Madrid, leaving the team with defensive concerns.
Conor Bradley, who was forced to leave the field late in the game with a hamstring injury, underwent a scan on Thursday amid fears that he could be sidelined for several weeks. Meanwhile, Konaté, who picked up a knee issue, limped off after the match and has continued to be assessed at the club’s training ground. The injuries have cast doubt over their availability for the upcoming fixture against the reigning Premier League champions.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool’s first-choice right-back, is set to return to the starting lineup, having recovered from his own hamstring problem. This provides some relief for the team, which is bracing itself for the potential absence of Bradley and Konaté. The latter has formed an impressive defensive partnership with Virgil van Dijk this season, making his potential absence a significant blow.
Bradley delivered a standout performance against Real Madrid, effectively nullifying Kylian Mbappé and contributing to Alexis Mac Allister’s opening goal. His injury is particularly frustrating, given the momentum he has built in recent matches. Konaté, equally critical to Liverpool’s backline, would be a considerable loss against City’s potent attack.
Liverpool’s head coach expressed cautious optimism regarding their injury assessments but admitted the early signs were not promising. He noted the unusual circumstances under which both players exited the game, particularly Konaté’s inability to celebrate properly with the fans following a stellar performance.
The stakes are high as Liverpool prepare to host Manchester City, with an opportunity to extend their lead over Pep Guardiola’s side to 11 points. Despite City’s recent struggles, which include a six-match winless streak, their quality remains unquestionable. Guardiola’s team has shown glimpses of dominance even in defeat, creating chances and demonstrating their ability to control games.
City’s recent losses against Brighton, Tottenham, and Feyenoord underscore their vulnerability, yet they remain a formidable opponent. The head coach acknowledged that City’s struggles are atypical and praised Guardiola’s ability to find tactical solutions. The absence of key players, including Rodri, has impacted their performances, but their quality and depth ensure they remain a threat.
Liverpool’s defensive solidity will be tested against City’s attacking firepower, and the potential absence of Konaté and Bradley further complicates preparations. Alexander-Arnold’s return will provide stability, but the team will need to adjust if the injured duo is unavailable. The head coach emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and preparing for a challenging game, regardless of City’s recent form.
As the match approaches, the focus will shift to how Liverpool adapt to these challenges and whether their depth can compensate for the potential absences. With City seeking to recover their form and Liverpool looking to capitalize on their strong position at the top of the table, Sunday’s clash promises to be a pivotal moment in the Premier League season.
