Liverpool could potentially be without as many as five players this weekend when they take on Manchester United.
The Reds have started their season well with five wins from their opening seven matches but they have had to contend with off field problems in that time.
Jeremie Frimpong has missed some matches, as have Alexis MacAllister and Curtis Jones.
The big hitters have returned in recent weeks, though, and provided their usual guile and effort but there have been fringe players sidelined which has also played a part for Arne Slot’s side.
And with United heading to Anfield on Sunday afternoon, the hosts could be forced to play with big names missing through various issues following the international break.
Ibrahima Konate was forced to pull out of the France squad and played no part in the country’s 2-2 draw with Iceland last week.
Liverpool injuries before Manchester United clash
That came after he hobbled off vs Chelsea in the most recent Premier League outing before the break.
France’s statement on the defender read: “Having injured his right quadricep during his last match with Liverpool, Konate has followed a treatment and protocol since his arrival this Monday.
“However, he will not be able to take his place against Iceland.”
Alisson Becker, the goalkeeper, has been out of action for a number of weeks already with stopper Giorgi Mamardashvili deputising for his Brazilian teammate.
Alisson has missed five matches with a hamstring problem and will likely be out of action again.
Midfielder Ryan Gravenberch is one who could potentially return for the Reds but that all depends on whether or not his manager wants to risk the Dutchman.
Ryan Gravenberch hamstring injury could keep him out for Liverpool
On international duty, Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman said his player felt “discomfort” in his hamstring.
The ex-Everton boss claims he and his medical staff did not want to take any unnecessary risks and Slot may feel the same considering how important the 23-year-old has become to his set up.
Another in the engine room, Wataru Endo, decided to withdraw from Japan’s squad at the eleventh hour with what was an undisclosed injury.
Granted Endo has not been a starting XI player for his side this season, but he has made six appearances in all competitions and has been trusted as a substitute to help see out big matches and wins.
Again, his international manager Hajime Moriyasu insisted it was a precautionary thing not to take the player, so he might be made available if he is lucky.
And finally, Giovanni Leoni is still out of action with a longer term injury.
