Arne Slot was handed another injury headache following Liverpool’s win over Real Madrid, with the Dutchman now waiting for test results ahead of the blockbuster clash with Manchester City
Arne Slot is sweating on the fitness of both Ibrahima Konate and Conor Bradley after the duo picked up injuries in the win over Real Madrid.
Goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo ensured Liverpool defeated the reigning Champions League holders. Bradley impressed at right-back, successfully stifling superstar attacker Kylian Mbappe.
But he had to be replaced with three minutes to go by Joe Gomez after feeling tightness in his hamstring. Konate meanwhile hurt his knee after a challenge from Endrick in the closing stages of Wednesday’s game.
The French centre-back needed treatment on the field after the final whistle before getting back to his feet and hobbling off. Liverpool have confirmed that both need to be assessed by the club’s medical team before Sunday’s clash with Manchester City.
Boss Slot is already dealing with injuries to Trent Alexander-Arnold, Diogo Jota, Alisson and Kostas Tsimikas. And the Dutchman is now sweating on the status of Konate and Bradley ahead of Sunday’s blockbuster game.
Asked whether he knew the severity of the duo’s injuries, Slot said: “No, not yet. I know where they have pain, but how bad or how good, it’s difficult to judge so soon after a game. This is what happens during a season.
“We missed Trent today, we missed Jota today, we missed Alisson today. We didn’t miss Trent because he was on the bench, but he couldn’t play from the start, but Kostas we missed. I am really hoping both of them are available to play because we want them all available.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Who was man of the match as Liverpool beat Real Madrid? Comment below.
“But if not someone else has to step up and until now this season everybody that I [have] selected to start has shown up. That’s also what is going to happen on Sunday, if they can play but also if they can’t play then other ones will step up.”
Slot will be desperate for Bradley to recover after his standout display against Madrid. The Liverpool boss hailed the Northern Irishman for his performance up against World Cup winner Mbappe.
“I think it’s nice for him, nice for his family, nice for us but it’s also very nice for the Academy, that a player that comes through the ranks at the Academy does so well,” Slot said of Bradley.
“And not only him – Caoimh was outstanding today, Curtis [Jones] was outstanding today. Probably all of them were outstanding but to have three Academy players in your team doing so well is also a big compliment for the Academy this club has.
“And Conor did very well. But I’m totally not surprised by him doing so well because he showed this already last season and showed this in this season in training sessions and in games as well. So, very nice for him.”
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Learn more