Blow for Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool As Another Key Defender Is Set to Miss Manchester City Clash

• Liverpool's defensive woes have increased after Ibrahima Konate missed training on Friday ahead of a huge clash against Manchester City
• The Reds are already without key players in defence, including Trent Alexander-Arnold
• Jurgen Klopp's side are 10th in the Premier League with 10 points from eight matches, 123 points behind an in-form Manchester City

Liverpool face an unstoppable Manchester City machine, and the signs for a Sunday evening clash are ominous.

Poor form, mounting injuries to key players and fatigue have derailed the Reds this season. They find themselves 10th on the table with two wins in the Premier League.

Jurgen Klopp's 'mentality monsters could be out of the title race by the end of business on Sunday. Their indifferent start to the season has elicited calls for the German to be sacked because his side are now a shadow of their former selves.

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However, a 7-1 thumping of Rangers in the Champions League during the week give them confidence ahead of a monumental task against the juggernaut that is Manchester City.

Ibrahima Konate a doubt for Man City game

According to Liverpool Echo, Joel Matip and Trent Alexander-Arnold are already missing for the Reds, so Ibrahima Konate could also miss their clash with Man City.

Konate was absent in Liverpool's training footage on Friday, leading to widespread speculation about his whereabouts. In midweek, the Frenchman made his first start of the season in the 7-1 Champions League thrashing of Rangers, according to The Athletic.

The former RB Leipzig centre-back missed training on Friday due to a minor muscle problem, but Liverpool are not willing to risk it since he just returned from a two-month lay-off.

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If he misses, the Reds will be left with Virgil Van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Nat Philips as their only central defensive options.

Konate praised by Van Dijk

Sports Brief earlier reported on Vigil Van Dijk heaping praise on Konate, saying that he is willing to learn.

The French defender joined Liverpool last season from RB Leipzig and went on to have a wonderful season. He was even selected ahead of Matip in the Champions League final.

If he is fit, he will surely start against Man City.