Liverpool will be looking to start the new year in style when they host rivals Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday.
The Reds are at the top of the table and will be looking to continue their exceptional form into 2025. Their first test comes from bitter opponents Man Utd, who travel to Anfield lacking confidence and stuck in the bottom half.
Liverpool will be the overwhelming favorites for a nice win on Sunday and their short injury list only strengthens their position.
Here are the ones Liverpool couldn’t have against Ruben Amorim’s side.
Liverpool would have had a perfect away day against West Ham United last weekend if Joe Gomez hadn’t been injured. The central defender limped off the pitch in the 37th minute of the 5-0 win and was replaced by young Jarell Quansah.
Unfortunately for the Reds, Gomez will be out for the foreseeable future due to a hamstring strain, with Slot confirming he is guaranteed to be sidelined for at least “a few weeks”.
“Joe is obviously not doing well due to injury. “He’ll definitely be out for a few weeks,” admitted the Dutchman.
Ibrahima Konate has been a notable absence from Liverpool’s defense of late after suffering a knee injury in the 2-0 win over Real Madrid at the end of November. He has been out since then but could return this weekend against the Red Devils.
Slot confirmed the centre-back returned to full team training on the Friday ahead of the visit to Man Utd, but that does not necessarily guarantee him a place in the starting XI or on matchday. However, it will likely be available in some capacity.
Conor Bradley has also been missing since the Champions League triumph against Real Madrid as the right-back sustained a thigh injury against the reigning European champions. However, similar to Konate, Slot revealed that Bradley could make his comeback on Sunday.
“Conor and Ibou will train with us today [Friday] for the first time,” Slot said in his pre-match press conference.
“So, [I am] Of course I’m curious and interested to know exactly where they are. They’ve worked hard to get back into the team, but the next step is always: ‘How do you handle team meetings?’ They’ll be training with us today, the two of them.
“Hopefully everyone – except Joe Gomez – will be ready to be at the game on Sunday.”
Liverpool players are missing from the game against Man Utd
player | status |
|---|---|
Joe Gomez | Out of |
Ibrahima Konate | Available |
Conor Bradley | Available |