Liverpool might now be able to survive without 24-year-old player against Manchester City

Add as preferred source on Google

With just over a week to go, Liverpool’s attention is starting to turn towards their clash with Manchester City.

There’s still a number of international games to get through before then, and Jurgen Klopp will be sweating on the fitness of all of those involved.

But with the likes of Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz in excellent form yesterday, the Reds are looking good for now. Several ongoing concerns do remain, with Andy Robertson and Thiago Alcantara long-term absentees. One other potential starter causing concern for Klopp will be Ibrahima Konate.

Konate was ruled out of this month’s internationals having picked up a hamstring knock. Ideally, the manager would like to be heading to games like the one with City with Ibou fit and ready to play.

One of the reasons for that is dealing with players like star Man City striker Erling Haaland. Haaland is a physical monster, and a nightmare for pretty much any centre-half. However, given his size, strength and speed, Konate is the ideal man to play against him.

Obviously, without the Frenchman, Liverpool may be a little more worried about facing the Premier League’s top scorer. However, with Haaland in action for Norway last night, news has filtered through that the 23-year-old has picked up a knock.

Haaland picks up Norway knock

Heading into yesterday’s round of fixtures, Pep Guardiola was already reportedly dealing with a fair few injury issues at City.

But none would sting quite as much as his 13-goal top scorer having to sit out against Liverpool.

As Haaland went down clutching his ankle during a game against Faroe Islands last night, Pep must have had his head in his hands.

Speaking to Norwegian outlet TV2 after the game – which Haaland got up and completed – Norway doctor Ola Sands assessed the striker’s situation.

“It was a lot of the same thing that happened against Bournemouth a week and a half ago. He’s had it before too,” Sand explained.

“He gets a little twist in his ankle, where he’s a little bit vulnerable. It really hurts right away, and then it gives up pretty quickly. Then we’ll see tomorrow how he is.”

Clearly, we don’t wish to see any player injured at any time, rival or not. Haaland is a terrific player and we’ve enjoyed seeing his battles against Liverpool over the past year. We’d rather face a full-strength City and beat them.

The inference seems to be that Haaland will be fine anyway. But if the former Borussia Dortmund man fails to heal in time for next Saturday, then Liverpool will feel a little better about missing Konate. In the end, we hope both players make it back for what could be an almighty battle. If not though, Ibou’s absence will be that bit more manageable.