Liverpool have been hit with some injury problems ahead of their game against Manchester City on Sunday.
The Reds are flying at the moment and continued that run with an excellent win over Real Madrid on Wednesday.
However, the victory did come at a cost for Liverpool. Both Ibrahima Konate and Conor Bradley were left with fresh injuries.
Bradley looks set to miss a month, while there are suggestions that Konate could be out for even longer.
What it does mean is that Arne Slot is going to have to go with a different centre-back pairing when the champions come to Anfield.
While debate rages over whether Jarell Quansah or Joe Gomez should start next to Virgil van Dijk, Jurgen Klopp has already perhaps explained what he would do.
Joe Gomez must start against Man City
There’s no getting away from the fact that Konate’s absence is set to be a big blow for Liverpool.
The Frenchman has been one of the best performers in the Liverpool squad up until this point of the season.
However, Slot does have other options. Quansah’s star has fallen a little this season but he’s still a top prospect, while Gomez was brilliant against Brighton when given a chance earlier this month.
If he’s struggling to make a call, though, perhaps Slot can use Man City’s visit to Anfield in October 2022 to help inform his decision.
READ MORE: Peter Crouch predicts ‘resounding’ score for Liverpool against Man City
With Konate also injured two years ago and Joel Matip out too, Klopp threw Gomez in next to Van Dijk.
The former Charlton man was sensational, keeping a clean sheet against the rampant Erling Haaland and earning post-match praise from the then Liverpool manager.
“It’s just great for Joey that he can show what a player he is,” Klopp said. “Outstanding, outstanding talent, a great player and can play different positions, obviously. Today was sensational, a mature performance together with Virgil and the two full-backs.”
Joe Gomez ready to wind back the clock
Despite disappointment for Konate, this is now a real chance for Gomez to show just what a good player he is.
The last time Liverpool won the title, in 2019/20, the 27-year-old was Van Dijk’s primary partner in central defence.
And looking at statistics from that season, it’s clear that Liverpool fans have nothing to worry about with Gomez coming back for another bite at the cherry.
As ESPN posted on X (formerly Twitter) back in February 2020, Liverpool’s back two of Gomez and Van Dijk conceded just once in 1,246 minutes on the pitch together.
That’s one goal shipped in virtually 14 matches of football. We think Liverpool will be just fine.
Time for Gomez to wind the clock back and haul the Reds towards another big three points on Sunday.
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