Liverpool are facing a blow ahead of Sunday’s match with Manchester City, as defender Ibrahima Konate is reportedly doubtful.

The Frenchman missed training on Friday and was due to undergo further assessment, the British media reported.

It means that Juergen Klopp could face a selection headache in defence, as Konate was widely expected to start at the back alongside Virgil van Dijk.

Konate had only made his first start of the season in Wednesday’s 7-1 victory over Rangers in the Champions League, after struggling with injuries at the start of the season.

If he is ruled out, he could join Joel Matip and Trent Alexander-Arnold on the unavailable list against Pep Guardiola’s side.

Juergen Klopp. File picture

Joe Gomez, who has filled in for Alexander-Arnold at right-back, would likely have to switch over to the central of defence alongside Van Dijk. And if that were to happen, then the versatile James Milner would have to cover at right back.

Milner played at full-back in last season’s 2-2 draw at Anfield, and struggled massively against Phil Foden.

Konate’s concern is only minor but untimely at a time where Liverpool drastically need a win to keep their already slim title hopes alive.

Luis Diaz, Curtis Jones and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are also expected to miss the game, but Andrew Robertson could return to the starting line-up after coming on as a substitute against Rangers.

Midfielder Harvey Elliott said Liverpool are “as confident as ever” after the Rangers game. “Coming off a 7-1 win, we’re as confident as ever and that performance showed what we really are about,” Elliott told the club website.

Written with inputs from Reuters