Only Van Dijk left — Liverpool’s centre-back shortage deepens before Qarabag

Liverpool’s centre-back shortage deepens before Qarabag

Only Van Dijk left — Liverpool’s centre-back shortage deepens before Qarabag

Liverpool will be without defenders Ibrahima Konate & Joe Gomez in training ahead of the Champions League match against Qarabag.

Liverpool’s defensive problems have grown ahead of their final Champions League league phase match against Qarabag on Wednesday at Anfield.

Both Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez were absent from the club’s open training session leaving head coach Arne Slot with very limited options at centre back in key match that could secure direct qualification to the round of 16.

With the game seen as decisive in avoiding the playoff round, Liverpool may enter the match with only one senior central defender available.

Only Van Dijk left as natural centre back

Konate has missed Liverpool’s last two matches and was granted special leave following the death of his father last week.

Gomez, meanwhile suffered thigh injury during Liverpool’s Premier League defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday. The defender was forced off after collision with goalkeeper Alisson Becker.

These absences mean that Virgil van Dijk is currently the only fit first team centre back available for Slot.

Injury blow also rules out Giovanni Leoni

Liverpool’s defensive depth has been further damaged by the confirmed absence of Giovanni Leoni who will miss the rest of the season after suffering anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Leoni picked up the knee problem during his first appearance for the club in September and the setback has now ruled him out long term.

Emergency solutions in defence

With options running out, Liverpool have already been forced into changes.

Japanese midfielder Wataru Endo stepped into defence after Gomez went off injured while left back Andy Robertson has also been used in deeper role when needed.

Robertson’s situation has also attracted attention after Liverpool reportedly ended talks with Tottenham over potential January move despite the Scotland international entering the final months of his contract.