Liverpool Player at Risk of Suspension Against Leeds United

Ibrahima Konate, Liverpool's key center-back, faces a one-match Premier League suspension if he receives a yellow card in the upcoming clash against Leeds United at Anfield on New Year's Day.[1][2]

The French defender, known as the Reds' No.5, is currently on four yellow cards in the top flight this season. A booking against Leeds would trigger an automatic ban, potentially sidelining him for the next league fixture and complicating Arne Slot's defensive selections amid an already stretched injury list.[1]

Slot will be urging Konate to exercise caution, especially when marking physical forwards like Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who could draw him into rash challenges. This risk adds tension to a vital match, as Liverpool aims to maintain momentum in the title race.[2]

Konate's disciplinary situation mirrors recent teammate issues. Dominik Szoboszlai just served a one-match ban against Wolverhampton Wanderers on December 27 after accumulating five yellows, including one at Tottenham.[1] Meanwhile, Conor Bradley is one booking from a Champions League suspension.[1]

Liverpool's squad is further depleted by injuries: Wataru Endo (ankle, out since Leeds draw), Joe Gomez (muscle), Alexander Isak (ankle surgery with fibula fracture, months sidelined), and Giovanni Leoni (ACL, out for a year).[1] Mohamed Salah is unavailable due to international duty with Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations.[1]

Avoiding suspension for Konate is crucial to prevent a future selection headache for Slot, who has limited center-back options. Fans will hope the defender stays composed in this high-stakes encounter.[2]

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