Liverpool are facing a defensive injury crisis with Joe Gomez forced off during the rout of West Ham on Sunday.
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Article continues below
Article continues below
- Gomez picked up a hamstring injury
- Quansah was introduced as a substitute
- Reds coach Slot provided an update on Gomez
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WHAT HAPPENED?
During Liverpool’s commanding 5-0 victory, Gomez sustained a hamstring injury that forced him off the field just before half-time. That comes as Liverpool’s first-choice centre-back Ibrahima Konate remains unavailable, having been sidelined since November. Gomez had formed a consistent partnership with Virgil van Dijk in Liverpool’s last six league games, stepping in for the injured Frenchman.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Against West Ham, Jarell Quansah was the only central defender available on the bench. The youngster, who last started a Premier League match on the opening day of the season, now finds himself in a crucial role. Quansah was subbed off at the break in that game at Ipswich, highlighting his lack of regular first-team experience.
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WHAT SLOT SAID
After Sunday's match, Slot provided an update on Gomez and said: "You saw today an injury of Joe Gomez. In a sprint, then we all know it’s a hamstring and we all know it’s going take a while before he is back. I don’t know how long but he will be out for quite a bit. These situations can happen in a season.”
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WHEN WILL KONATE RETURN?
Despite the concerning state of Liverpool’s defence, there is a glimmer of hope. Ahead of the West Ham game, Slot hinted at the possibility of Konate making his return in time for Liverpool’s highly-anticipated clash with Manchester United on January 5.
“They (Konate and Conor Bradley) will not be back for West Ham United, but then there is a week in between (before the game against Manchester United) so let’s see how close they are then,” Slot said, via the club’s website.
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