Jurgen Klopp believes the game with City can affect the Premier League title race
Liverpool head coach Jurgen Klopp has been left sweating over the fitness of Ibrahima Konate after the centre-back was missing from training ahead of their crucial clash with Manchester City. The Reds boss is already without for key defensive figures for Sunday's game at Anfield and the absence of Konate may hand the German tactician an issue when selecting his team as he faces a growing injury list.
Liverpool injury round-up with three key stars out for Man City clash
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Liverpool dealt new injury worry that would cause Jurgen Klopp issues
Klopp is already facing the heat after a 3-2 defeat against Arsenal last Sunday left his side 14 points adrift of the leaders, with City close behind Mikel Arteta's side. Liverpool have only won two of their opening eight matches and are currently sitting in 10th place in the Premier League.
But their nightmare start to the season could be exacerbated if Konate is not fit enough to start. The Frenchman was a notable absentee from Friday's training session at Kirkby and it was no coincidence that Konate was substituted with 10 minutes to go during the 7-1 demolition of Rangers.
It remains to be seen whether the defender picked up an injury at Ibrox or in the days that followed. But with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joel Matip and youngster Calvin Ramsay also out of action, Klopp knows his options are wearing thin.
Joe Gomez impressed when deputising for Alexander-Arnold at right-back in their midweek victory in Glasgow, but the 25-year-old could now be shifted back into his more natural position to fill in for Konate.
However, such a move would leave Klopp with a decision to make in terms of filling the void at right-back, with only James Milner available to replace him. And given the impressive form of Erling Haaland in the City attack, Klopp may favour a towering centre-back with physical strength in an attempt to limit the Norwegian's influence.
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