Big problems at Liverpool before the derby with Manchester United » Two indisputable starters are uncertain

Ashley Davis16/10/2025

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Article by Alexandru Stanciu – Published Wednesday, October 15, 2025 9:57 p.m. / Updated Wednesday, October 15, 2025 10:08 p.m.

The Premier League returns to action this weekend with the derby Liverpool – Manchester Unitedbut technician Arne Slot (47 years old) has big problems in making up the “first 11”, after two undisputed starters left the national teams training camps this week due to physical problems.

French central defender Ibrahima Konate (26 years old) and central midfielder Ryan Gravenberch (23 years old), initially called up to the national team of France and the Netherlands respectively, accused problems, and have already returned to Liverpool.

Ibrahima Konate and Ryan Gravenberch are doubtful for the Liverpool v Manchester United derby

Konate left the field in the 56th minute of the match against Chelsea in the last leg of the Premier League due to a muscle injury in his thigh. He was then called up to the French national team, did not come off the bench in the match in Azerbaijan, before being waived and returning to Liverpool precisely because of physical problems.

Konate was a key component in the heart of Liverpool's defense alongside captain Virgil van Dijk. If he misses the derby with Manchester United, Arne Slot will most likely rely on Joe Gomez, given the fact that centre-back Giovanni Leoni, transferred this summer, has suffered a serious injury and will not be able to play again this season.

Gravenberch started his Netherlands' last two games in the 4-0 wins over Malta and Finland, but was substituted at half-time against the Finns due to physical problems, as coach Ronald Koeman revealed after the match.

“Ryan indicated that he felt a little discomfort in his thigh. So we didn't want to take any chances,” Koeman told the news conference.

Gravenberch is off to an excellent start to the season, being named man of the match on multiple occasions. If his absence is confirmed, Arne Slot will most likely have to rely on Curtis Jones, and another option is Wataru Endo, although the Japanese missed the last call-up to the national team also due to an injury.