Liverpool will be hoping to start the new year in style when they host Premier League rivals Manchester United on Sunday.
The Reds are currently at the top of the table and will be hoping to continue their exceptional form in 2025. Their first test will come against a difficult side, Man United, who travel to Anfield having lost confidence and are stuck in the bottom half.
Liverpool will be overwhelming favorites to pull off a stunning win on Sunday, but their short injury list only strengthens their strength.
Here are the players who were unavailable for Liverpool to face Ruben Amorim’s side.
Joe Gomez injured against West Ham/Julian Finney/Getty Images
Had it not been for Joe Gomez’s injury, Liverpool could have enjoyed a perfect away day against West Ham United last weekend. The centre-back limped off in the 37th minute of the 5-0 win and was replaced by youngster Jarrell Quansah.
Unfortunately for the Reds, Gomez will be sidelined for the foreseeable future after tearing his hamstring, with Slott admitting he is certain to be sidelined for at least “a few weeks”.
“Of course Joe is not in a good place injury-wise. He will be out for a few weeks for sure,” admitted the Dutchman.
Ibrahima Konate could return/Sportsphoto/Allstar/GettyImages
Ibrahima Konate has been noticeably absent from Liverpool’s defense of late, having injured his knee in the 2-0 win over Real Madrid in late November. He has been missing since then but could return for this weekend’s game against the Red Devils.
Slott confirmed the centre-back returned to full-team training on Friday ahead of Man United’s visit, but that does not necessarily guarantee him a place in the starting line-up or in the squad on match day. However, he is likely to be available in some capacity.
Connor Bradley also set to return/Visionhaus/GettyImages
Conor Bradley has also been absent since the Champions League game against Real Madrid, with the right-back injuring his hamstring against the reigning European champions. But like Konate, Slott also made it clear that Bradley could return on Sunday.
“Conor and Ibou will be training with us for the first time today (Friday),” Slott said in the pre-match press conference.
“So, of course, (I’m) curious and interested to know where exactly they are. They’ve worked hard to get back into the team, but the next step is always, ‘How do we do a team session? ‘Do you want to handle it?’ You two will be training with us today.
“We hope everyone except Joe Gomez will be ready to take part in Sunday’s game.”
Liverpool players absent from match against Manchester
player
situation
Joe Gomez
outside
Ibrahima Konate
available
conor bradley
available
