“Out for Such a Long Time”: Slot Suggests Liverpool Ace Won’t Play on Wednesday After What Happened vs Man United
Liverpool and Manchester United shared the spoils in an intense 2-2 draw on Sunday, a result that saw the Reds lose ground in the Premier League title race.
Jurgen Klopp’s side had a prime opportunity to widen the gap between themselves and second-placed Arsenal, especially after the Gunners’ draw with Brighton on Saturday.
However, following a lacklustre performance at Anfield, Liverpool could not claim they deserved more than the solitary point they secured.
This match signalled the start of a pivotal week for Liverpool, with a Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg clash against Tottenham looming on Wednesday.
Following their midweek trip to Spurs, Liverpool will then turn their attention to a challenging Premier League encounter against an in-form Nottingham Forest side.
In preparation for the crucial visit to the City Ground, Arne Slot has hinted that he may rest the recently returned Ibrahima Konate during the midweek fixture.
Ibrahima Konate Set for Tottenham Rest
Konate’s inclusion in Liverpool’s starting lineup on Sunday came as a slight surprise. The £35 million defender had only recently returned to training after being sidelined for over five weeks.
With Joe Gomez also out through injury, seeing the No.5 back in action was a welcome sight for Liverpool supporters.
However, after such a lengthy absence, it was a challenging match for Konate. In his post-match press conference, Arne Slot hinted strongly that the 25-year-old is likely to be rested for the midweek fixture.
“Because he was fit,” said the Liverpool head coach when asked why Konate started. “If he wouldn’t [have been] then we wouldn’t have started him, then he doesn’t train with us. The moment he starts to train with the team he is fit again.”
“It is not to say that he can immediately play two games a week, but he can definitely play 90 minutes, like he showed today.
“Like you saw, except for the first game when I chose [Jarell] Quansah, all the other games when Ibou was fit he started, so that’s the answer I think to your question.
“The moment he is fit, he can start,” added Slot. “But if you have been out for such a long time it’s difficult to immediately play then two games a week, so it must not come as a surprise if he doesn’t play on Wednesday.
“But he played today for 90 minutes and I think he showed in that 90 minutes that he was ready to play.”
Jarell Quansah Must Play Against Spurs
Similar to when Wataru Endo filled in at centre-back against Southampton, it seems likely that Arne Slot may once again deploy a player out of their natural position in defence against Spurs.
With both Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez unavailable, it appears almost certain that Jarell Quansah will be given an opportunity at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The key decision for Slot will then revolve around whether Virgil van Dijk can be risked, considering the demanding schedule ahead.
With no other fit, senior centre-backs available and Konate requiring careful management, it seems plausible that Endo could be called upon for another shift in defence.
Regardless of how Slot chooses to structure his defence, one thing is clear: Quansah must play a significant role.
In other news, “Almost in Tears”: Liverpool Told One Player is Really Messing with the Club Behind the Scenes
