Ibrahima Konaté and Jeremie Frimpong were some recently injured players (Credits: Imago Images)
The international break is still in progress as footballers seek glory with their national teams. Clubs, on the other hand, though, will be hoping for a proper handling of their players as they wouldn’t want them to come back directly to the hospital.
Arne Slot is no exception, as the Dutch gaffer faces depth issues in a few positions at Anfield. The Reds failed to sign Crystal Palace captain Marc Guéhi on deadline day; hence, it will be interesting to see the effects of the collapse.
With only three senior defenders in the first team squad, a single injury might push the Reds into crisis mode till January. Guéhi was doing his medicals in London on deadline day, but Palace’s failure to find a replacement meant that the tests were in vain.
After the submission of the final offer sheet, the Eagles decided to keep their defender until January. Financially, this will be a better result for Liverpool as the England international will be available for a cheaper price in the winter.
This is because Guéhi’s contract expires at the end of the season and Crystal Palace wouldn’t be keen on letting their star leave on a free.
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Frimpong stays in Liverpool as Konaté shines with France
The situation has put some intense pressure on Ibrahima Konaté as the French defender suffered a knock in Liverpool’s last Premier League clash against Arsenal.
Luckily for Slot, Gomez is still a backup option in the centre of the back four, but it just goes to show how delicate the situation is at Anfield right now.
Despite the injury, Konaté was selected for the French squad facing Ukraine and Iceland during the international break. The 6-foot-4 defender started against Ukraine, making important contributions on the pitch.
Slot will be hoping that the defender stays well through the break, as the Dutch gaffer will be pushing to hold the line till January at the least, before he can sign another experienced defender.
Jeremie Frimpong, on the other hand, stays down as the Dutch footballer didn’t join his national team squad for the international break.
He suffered a hamstring injury during his Premier League debut against Bournemouth and is still in Liverpool, focusing on recovery.
The expected date of return was vaguely mid-September. Slot will be hopeful to find the full-back on duty for Burnley, as Liverpool will try to continue their undefeated run in the Premier League.
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