After a historic victory at St James Park, Liverpool are under huge crisis at the backline as both Konate and Van Dijk will be absent for Aston Villa clash.
Ibrahima Konate has suffered muscle injury at training and Van Dijk was shown straight red card for a reckless tackle on Alexander Isak. The Dutch International will miss the clash against Villa but he could be banned for longer as he shouted at referee John Brooks after the incident.
Despite being 10 men, Liverpool came back from behind as Darwin Nunez scored a brace after coming on as a substitute. The Uruguayan International stunned the St James Park crowd with his ecstatic performance.
Manager Jurgen Klopp admitted Konate’s injury on the Premier League international broadcast. He said :-
“He will be back after the international break. Not too serious, but serious enough. Maybe a chance for [Aston] Villa, but I expect him to be back after the international break.”
Joel Matip replaced the Frenchmen for the clast against the Magpies on Sunday. The Cameroonian partnered Van Dijk for the first time this season as Andy Robertson joined to make up the back three.
Jarell Quansah later replaced Matip in 77th minute as the youngster showed great prowess on his Premier League debut. He might get his first start for Liverpool against Unai Emery’s side.
Joe Gomez is also in their defensive mix this campaign but Liverpool another centre-back in their squad. Only five days left in this transfer window, club hierarchy should act fast to rope in another signing this summer.
Jurgen Klopp will be all charged with Liverpool’s performance but he will be little worried about lack of options for the back-line.
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