Liverpool could be without five players for Man Utd clash after two fresh injury issues
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Liverpool Echo IconSportFootballLiverpool FCLiverpool are facing growing injury issues ahead of their Premier League clash with Manchester United this weekend, with Arne Slot sweating over the fitness of five playersLiverpool face the prospect of being without five players when they host Manchester United at Anfield this weekend.The two fierce rivals will lock horns for the first time this season in the Premier League in what is shaping up to be a captivating encounter. Nevertheless, Arne Slot has genuine concerns over several crucial squad members, including two fresh additions.Ibrahima Konate was withdrawn during the loss to Chelsea and couldn't shake off a thigh injury, prompting France to confirm over the weekend that he had returned to Liverpool.The defender will undergo a late fitness assessment before the United showdown, reports the Express.
His potential absence would represent a significant setback for Liverpool despite his inconsistent displays this campaign.READ MORE: Florian Wirtz sends three-word message amid Liverpool struggles and Germany commentsREAD MORE: Moises Caicedo splits from agent who blocked Liverpool transfer in explosive now-deleted statementRyan Gravenberch filled in at centre-back when Konate was withdrawn last weekend, but Slot might not have that alternative if the former stays on the treatment table.This is because Gravenberch was withdrawn at the interval during the Netherlands' recent World Cup qualifying victory over Finland, sparking suggestions that he could miss out against United.Speaking afterwards, Dutch boss Ronald Koeman said: "Ryan indicated he had some minor hamstring problems. Of course, we didn't take any risks with that."Gravenberch added: "It was partly fitness related.
I'm feeling good and I have the coach's confidence."The injury isn't thought to be too serious and Liverpool are hopeful the Dutchman will be able to feature against United once they assess the issue.Meanwhile goalkeeper Alisson has been confirmed to be out for several weeks due to a hamstring problem, while new signing Giovanni Leoni is expected to miss the rest of the season following a serious knee injury last month.There are also worries about Waturu Endo's fitness after he was pulled from the Japan squad at the last minute due to an undisclosed injury.Japan's manager Moriyasu Hajime explained: "I was thinking about whether to call him up until the very last minute. Asking him to come from Europe again would be a burden for him, so I thought that the current number would be enough."Despite losing their last three matches in all competitions, Liverpool will go into the match against Manchester United as favourites.They suffered a dramatic defeat to Crystal Palace, followed by a loss to Galatasaray in the Champions League and another late defeat to Chelsea before the international break.