Liverpool Injury Updates: Konate and Alisson Concerns Deepen Ahead of United Clash
As Liverpool head into the international break, focus has turned from tactics to fitness. Arne Slot faces an anxious wait for key players, with Ibrahima Konate and Alisson Becker both nursing injuries that threaten to disrupt preparations for the crucial clash with Manchester United at Anfield later this month.
Konate’s Quad Issue Raises Fresh Concerns
Ibrahima Konate’s injury scare during Liverpool’s recent defeat has raised questions about the club’s defensive depth. The French international limped off after feeling discomfort in his quad, prompting Slot to make a cautious but necessary substitution.
“I don’t know if it is a big injury, but he limped a little bit,” Slot explained post-match. “When I asked him, he said he felt his quad. For me, all alarm bells go off at that point because you never know if another sprint could make it worse.”
Konate’s fitness has been a recurring concern since his arrival at Anfield, and while early signs suggest the issue may not be severe, Liverpool’s medical team are unwilling to take risks. Slot revealed he had already considered replacing the defender, noting the need for creativity from the right centre-back position — a role Ryan Gravenberch was ready to take on in the closing stages.
The hope within the camp is that Konate’s early withdrawal prevented further damage, but no definitive return date has been set. His availability for the Manchester United fixture remains uncertain.
Potential return date: Unknown
Alisson Becker’s Recovery Timeline Unclear
Liverpool’s injury concerns extend to their first-choice goalkeeper, with Alisson Becker ruled out of Brazil’s international fixtures against South Korea and Japan. Slot’s assessment suggests that the Brazilian is unlikely to feature against Manchester United on 19 October.
“It depends on how fast the recovery goes,” Slot told reporters. “He is not going to play for Brazil, and I’ll be surprised if he’s ready for the first game after the international break. From there on, things can go faster or slower — it’s hard to predict.”
Reports have indicated that Alisson could be sidelined for up to six weeks, though Liverpool have yet to confirm an official timeline. Should that estimate prove accurate, the 31-year-old might not return until the Europa League trip to Eintracht Frankfurt on 22 October.
With Caoimhin Kelleher expected to step in during Alisson’s absence, Slot’s side will be relying on their backup keeper’s composure in a period where defensive stability is under increasing scrutiny.
Potential return date: 22 October 2025 (Eintracht Frankfurt, A)
Giovanni Leoni’s ACL Blow a Devastating Setback
For young defender Giovanni Leoni, the news is far more serious. The 18-year-old suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament during his debut appearance against Southampton in the Carabao Cup. The Italian was stretchered off following a late challenge and now faces up to a year on the sidelines.
“He’s not in a good place, of course,” Slot confirmed. “He tore his ACL, which means he’ll be out for around a year. It’s really tough for a young player who just moved to a new country and played so well in his first game.”
While the injury is a cruel setback, Slot remained hopeful about the teenager’s long-term prospects. “He’s still so young and has so many years ahead of him. Once he recovers, he’ll come back stronger.”
Potential return date: Late 2026
Slot’s Growing Injury Headache
With multiple key figures sidelined, Slot’s Liverpool face a testing few weeks. The manager’s challenge will be to maintain momentum and stability despite the absences of Konate and Alisson, both integral to his preferred structure.
As Liverpool look to rebound from recent setbacks, their progress could depend as much on medical updates as tactical adjustments. The international break offers valuable recovery time — but for Slot, uncertainty remains the dominant theme at Anfield.
