Liverpool have been dealt two more injury blows ahead of Sunday’s crucial Premier League title clash with Manchester City, after Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez were both ruled out for Jurgen Klopp’s side in Europe.
The Reds were in action against Sparta Prague in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday evening, and two of their first-choice defenders were forced off in Czechia, the latest injury concerns in a season riddled with disappointment. Konate, who has been a reliable performer for Liverpool this season, looked to injure his hamstring while attempting to prevent Sparta from equalizing during their match.
Gomez, a versatile defender who has been expected to play both full-back and centre-back, was also substituted at half-time, with young Irishman Conor Bradley taking his place.
Liverpool have been hindered by injuries in recent weeks, with Alisson Becker, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Curtis Jones, Ryan Gravenberch, Diogo Jota, Thiago Alcantara, Joel Matip, Stefan Bajcetic, and Ben Doak all set to miss this weekend’s match versus City at Anfield.
Mohamed Salah is back for the league leaders, having just returned to full fitness following his own setback. The Egyptian international suffered an injury during his country’s AFCON campaign earlier this year, but he is expected to face Pep Guardiola’s side this weekend.
City most recently defeated FC Copenhagen 3-1 on Wednesday evening to advance to the next round of the UEFA Champions League, with Manuel Akanji, Julian Alvarez, and Erling Haaland all scoring in what proved to be a straightforward victory for Guardiola’s side at home.
