Liverpool duo Ibrahima Konate and Conor Bradley suffered potentially devastating injuries during their side's 2-0 victory against Real Madrid at Anfield on Wednesday night.
The Reds took the lead in the second half thanks to Alexis Mac Allister's 52nd-minute strike past goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, before Cody Gakpo headed home from close range in the 76th minute.
Real were admittedly not at full strength, but despite still boasting the likes of Kylian Mbappe, the European champions struggled to create much in front of goal.
Much of this was due to the performances of both Konate and Bradley, with the Northern Ireland international arguably the best player on the pitch.
However, the right-back limped off the pitch with an apparent hamstring injury, while Konate was seen hobbling off after the full-time whistle wincing in pain at what appeared to be an issue with his knee.
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The potential impact of losing Konate and Bradley
Trent Alexander-Arnold is the undisputed starter on the right side of defence, especially given there are few players in world football that possess his ability on the ball.
Nevertheless, Bradley has proven himself to be a more than capable deputy, and his absence may put pressure on Trent to find form immediately despite only recently returning to training himself following a spell on the sidelines.
As for Konate, it is perhaps surprising that the Frenchman has been able to play as many games as he has this season considering he had suffered several setbacks under previous boss Jurgen Klopp.
The centre-back was brought on as a substitute for Jarell Quansah against Ipswich Town in Liverpool's first game of 2024-25 on August 17 and has been a mainstay in the XI ever since.
Konate's 85.7% aerial win rate is the third highest of any player in the top flight and the highest of any defender, and his performances this season have seen some suggest that he has been the best centre-back in the Premier League this term.
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Impact on the title?
Liverpool lead the way in the league and are already eight points ahead of second-placed Manchester City, who they welcome to Anfield on Sunday.
The Citizens are in poor form having lost five and drawn one of their last six matches in all competitions, with Pep Guardiola's side encountering numerous issues at both ends of the pitch.
Should Arne Slot's Reds win at Anfield on the weekend, then it would be difficult to see how the champions could claw back an 11-point deficit.
While many have labelled Liverpool favourites, they could head into the clash with a half-fit Trent and with Joe Gomez partnering Virgil van Dijk in the heart of defence.
Gomez has performed excellently against the likes of Erling Haaland in the past, but given the striker's immense physicality, it is clear to see that Konate's towering presence would be missed.
Lewis Nolan
