Arne Slot Announces Blow For Liverpool As Key Defender All Set To Miss Qarabag Tie

Last Updated:January 28, 2026, 07:35 IST

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot confirms Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konate will miss the Qarabag FK clash, while Wataru Endo returns for the UEFA Champions League.

Joe Gomez will miss Liverpool's clash against Qarabag (Picture credit: AFP)

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has confirmed that defender Joe Gomez will miss the match against Qarabag FK on Thursday in the UEFA Champions League. Liverpool need to win or draw their final game in the tournament group stage to seal their place in the top eight.

Liverpool are currently fourth in the league, behind Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.

Speaking ahead of the game, Slot told reporters that Gomez, who was forced off during the loss to AFC Bournemouth, will miss the clash against Qarabag. He also confirmed that Ibrahima Konate will not be available after the passing of his father last week.

“Not really. But I can confirm that he isn’t available tomorrow. I expect him back in a relatively short period of time. I spoke to him [Konate] and if you know why he isn’t here, of course, we both know that he is having a hard time," Slot said.

“I am hoping and expecting him back soon, but also not for tomorrow evening’s game," Slot added.

However, it is not all gloom for Liverpool, with Wataru Endo all set to return. Slot confirmed that the midfielder is available and will feature in the game.

“He has been out with an injury for quite a long time; he had to play against Bournemouth for quite a long time and now, tomorrow, there is a game coming up and then three days later another game is coming up," Slot said.

“As I also said, that isn’t the only way I decide on my line-up; tactics are involved in that as well. It is for sure at centre-back tomorrow there will not be a centre-back, I can only play a midfielder there because there are no centre-backs available," Slot added.

Liverpool suffered a shocking 2-3 defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday, January 24, at the Vitality Stadium.

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