Liverpool could be without four players for Man United as anxious wait continues
Liverpool are back in action on Sunday afternoon with the Premier League visit of Manchester United. And the Reds are still waiting to discover whether they can welcome back several of their players for the blockbusting clash against their bitter North West rivals.
Ibrahima Konate has been absent since he picked up a knee injury during the closing stages of the Champions League win over Real Madrid at Anfield more than a month ago, when he was clattered into by a poor challenge from Real substitute Endrick.
Konate has subsequently missed eight games although Reds boss Arne Slot hinted last week the France international could return to team training ahead of the United game.
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The availability of the centre-back would be particularly timely given Joe Gomez faces a spell on the sidelines with a hamstring problem suffered during the first half of the 5-0 win at West Ham United on Sunday. However, Konate would most likely only be considered for a place on the bench with Jarell Quansah poised to partner Virgil van Dijk.
Conor Bradley has also been missing since the win over Real Madrid having suffered a hamstring injury during the closing stages. Similar to Konate, there is a chance he could return to training ahead of the weekend.
Federico Chiesa, meanwhile, was absent from the squad at West Ham despite making the bench for the 3-1 home win over Leicester City.
Slot later explained the forward remained on Merseyside to continue working on his sharpness and intensity. Chiesa, who has only made four appearances since arriving from Juventus in the summer, had previously missed the 6-3 romp at Tottenham Hotspur before Christmas due to a cold.
Liverpool boss Slot will also be mindful that four of his players - Konate, Ryan Gravenberch, Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez - are all one booking away from a one-match suspension. The United encounter is the final game for the Reds before the 19-game amnesty for yellow cards is reached.
