Why is Liverpool facing a defensive shortage?

Liverpool's defensive shortage is due to Joe Gomez being injured and Ibrahima Konate being on compassionate leave, with Giovanni Leoni also sidelined for the season.

Who might play centre-back for Liverpool against Qarabag?

Manager Arne Slot indicated that a midfielder will likely partner Virgil van Dijk at centre-back due to a lack of available defenders.

What is Liverpool's current standing in the Champions League?

Liverpool is currently fourth in their Champions League group with 15 points.

Home / Sports / Slot Devises Bold Plan Amidst Liverpool Defensive Crisis

Slot Devises Bold Plan Amidst Liverpool Defensive Crisis

28 Jan

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Summary

Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konate are injured or on leave.
Wataru Endo, a midfielder, may play at centre-back.
Liverpool aims to secure a Champions League last-16 spot.

Slot Devises Bold Plan Amidst Liverpool Defensive Crisis

Liverpool's manager, Arne Slot, is grappling with a severe defensive shortage ahead of the team's Champions League fixture against Qarabag. Key defenders Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konate are unavailable, with Gomez sidelined due to a hip injury sustained in a recent match and Konate granted compassionate leave following his father's passing.

Adding to the challenge, summer signing Giovanni Leoni is out for the remainder of the season. This leaves Slot with limited options, forcing him to consider an unconventional solution for the centre-back position alongside Virgil van Dijk.

Slot revealed that a midfielder is almost certain to fill the void, stating no natural centre-backs would be available besides Van Dijk. This situation opens the door for Wataru Endo, primarily a defensive midfielder, to potentially play at centre-back.