Can Gomez Step Up for Liverpool in Konaté’s Absence? | OneFootball

Can Joe Gomez fill the void left by Konaté’s injury at Liverpool?

With this weekend’s match against Manchester City on the horizon, all the excitement generated by the victory over Real Madrid on Wednesday night has been dampened by the news that Arne Slot’s imposing defender, Ibrahima Konaté, has suffered an unfortunate injury. This injury will sideline him for the entire month of December. During the closing moments of the match against Carlo Ancelotti’s reigning European champions, Konaté, known as Ibou, endured a collision with Endrick, causing his 6-foot-4 frame to hobble off the pitch instead of celebrating with his adoring fans.

Who is likely to replace the injured Colossus?

At the start of this campaign, there seemed to be the notion that the Reds Academy graduate, Jarell Quansah, was the third-choice defender in the Merseyside squad, with a real opportunity at becoming the regular partner for the club captain, Virgil van Dijk. It took a mere 45 minutes against Ipswich on the opening day of the season, for the academy graduate to be replaced by his more experienced teammate, Konaté, which has been a decision which has remained unaltered.

Following a glorious run of form that has seen Liverpool ascend to the pinnacle of both the Premier League and Champions League tables, it would be Joe Gomez that has been able to insert himself as the immediate central defensive backup option, after a string of impressive performances when called upon.

Though there is an argument to be had that could see either the 27-year-old Gomez or the 21-year-old Quansah replace Ibou this weekend, I suspect the more senior Englishman will be chosen to fill that gigantic void. After a very fine 2023/24 season that saw the 15-cap England International operate across the entire back four, the former Charlton man was able to gain a place in his nation’s squad for the recent European Championships. This campaign, however, the versatile defensive asset has seen his role both lessened and refined, as his new head coach, Arme Slot opts to utilise the veteran player predominantly in the central area.

With eight appearances across all competitions so far this term, the summer target for Newcastle appeared likely to entertain a winter move away from Anfield, to find regular first-team football. This particular scenario may well change the pathway of the 6ft 1inch player, as he appears primed to undertake a significant role in the next four to six weeks.

Can Joe Gomez Reach Previous Levels of Form?

Once upon a time, this right-footed defender was previously considered one of England’s premier centre-halves. As he reaches the prime of his injury-plagued career, the opportunity has arisen for the £50m rated man to immerse himself in this fight for silverware. The player who was once a nailed-on starter alongside VVD has all the physical attributes and experience to once more become a commanding figure for his team, especially after returning from a career-threatening injury just two years ago. If this weekend’s starting lineup sees Joe Gomez starting, I would have only confidence in his ability to shackle Erling Haaland and aid his team’s efforts to create an eleven-point gap between themselves and Pep Guardiola’s team.