Liverpool are sweating it out as injuries pile up in the heart of their defense. After starting the season with five straight wins, the reigning champions have now lost back-to-back Premier League games to Crystal Palace and Chelsea, alongside a 1-0 Champions League defeat to Galatasaray. Three consecutive losses across all competitions mark a first under Arne Slot.
The international break delays any chance to bounce back, with Liverpool set to host Manchester United on October 19. While Hugo Ekitike and Federico Chiesa returned from knocks, the positives were overshadowed by Ibrahima Konate limping off against Chelsea.
Ibrahima Konate & Alisson Becker – Centre-Back Crisis
Konate left the Chelsea clash due to a quad issue. Slot confirmed the injury but stressed the uncertainty around its severity. “I don’t know if it is a big injury… he limped a little bit… It was clear I had to take him off,” Slot said. His availability for the Man Utd game remains unknown.
Alisson Becker suffers a hamstring problem and will skip Brazil’s friendlies against South Korea and Japan. So, Slot doubts he can play in the Manchester United clash, with reports suggesting a six-week recovery, potentially returning for Liverpool’s Champions League match against Eintracht Frankfurt on October 22.
Giovanni Leoni – Long-Term Blow
Rookie centre-back Giovanni Leoni suffered an ACL tear on his Carabao Cup debut against Southampton, ruling him out for roughly a year. Slot said, “He’s not in a good place… but he still has many years ahead after recovery,” hinting at a late-2026 return.
Author’s Opinion
Liverpool now face a defensive crunch with Konate uncertain, Alisson sidelined, and Leoni out long-term. Meanwhile, Slot needs to juggle his centre-back resources carefully, using depth and tactical adaptability. Injuries are a true test of squad strength, and the way Liverpool react will determine their Premier League title bid in the next few months.
