According to The Athletic, Joel Matip and Trent Alexander-Arnold will be out of action for a fortnight after picking up injuries.
Liverpool have had rotten luck with injuries so far this season, Thiago, Andy Robertson and Jordan Henderson have already faced significant spells on the sidelines, while Luis Diaz, Matip and Alexander-Arnold are currently out.
A defensive injury crisis has come at perhaps the worst possible time for Liverpool as they prepare to face Manchester City and Erling Haaland on Sunday, and with a makeshift back four likely to be fielded, the Norwegian may end up running riot.
Luckily for Liverpool, The Athletic are also reporting that Ibrahima Konate is set for a return to the starting XI in the Champions League against Rangers, so Matip’s absence shouldn’t be felt too badly, but after spending months on the sidelines, there are bound to be a few questions about the Frenchman’s match fitness.
Unfortunately, there isn’t really a ready-made replacement at right-back. Joe Gomez can slot in, but he’s not exactly a right-back in the Alexander-Arnold mould, focusing more on his defensive responsibilities rather than being an attacking force like Alexander-Arnold. – however, with Manchester City on the horizon, perhaps that’s not a bad thing.
Alexander-Arnold probably needed to be taken out of the limelight after his recent performances have garnered almost constant criticism in the media, and while no player ever wants to be injured, this two-week spell out of the team may allow the full-back to compose himself and get back to the player we all know he can be.
The Reds are currently sitting in mid-table, and if they don’t pick up results in their next two games against Manchester City and West Ham, there will be some serious questions about their top-four credentials this season.
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