Liverpool face injury scare ahead of the Premier League game against Manchester United

Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konaté’s setback raises fresh doubts ahead of Manchester United clash

Liverpool’s preparations for their crucial Premier League meeting with Manchester United at Anfield have taken an uneasy turn. The Reds are already stretched in defence and now face new uncertainty after Ibrahima Konaté withdrew from international duty with France.

The timing could not be worse for Arne Slot’s side. Manchester United are desperate to recover from their recent slump and restore some pride. Their struggles have already sparked transfer speculation, with Manchester United reportedly planning a January move for Castello Lukeba. That deal could reshape their defence midway through the season.

Konaté picked up the injury during Liverpool’s 2–1 defeat to Chelsea earlier this month. At first, Arne Slot substituted him for tactical reasons. Later reports confirmed that he left the pitch after feeling discomfort in his right thigh.

The French Football Federation explained that the centre back felt quadriceps pain during the Chelsea game. He followed a light recovery plan at Clairefontaine from Monday.

Despite treatment, the Liverpool defender failed to recover in time for France’s match in Reykjavik and flew back to Merseyside for further checks. Benjamin Pavard came in as his replacement. Slot now faces fresh anxiety since Liverpool are already without Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leoni, which further reduces their defensive options.

The 25-year-old has been sensational in the back line alongside Virgil van Dijk in the past few seasons. His current form has been wavering but if he misses out, it could disrupt that successful partnership. The injury is not considered serious, but Liverpool’s medical staff want to remain vigilant so that nothing goes wrong ahead of the home match against United and the long season ahead.

Liverpool remain the favourites, but Konaté’s injury could influence the balance