Van Dijk could have a surprise new centre-back partner in the Champions League.

 

 

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot is dealing with a significant headache at the back ahead of the Reds’ Champions League meeting with Qarabag.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Slot confirmed that Joe Gomez will miss the European tie after picking up an injury in Liverpool’s 3-2 defeat to Bournemouth. Asked if there was a clear recovery timeframe for the defender’s hip issue, Slot admitted there was no exact date, but stressed Gomez will not be involved on Wednesday and is expected to return fairly soon.

Ibrahima Konate will also be unavailable, with the French centre-back granted compassionate leave following the death of his father. Slot said he hopes Konate will be back shortly, though he too will not feature against Qarabag.

With Gomez and Konate sidelined, and summer signing Giovanni Leoni ruled out for the season, Slot faces a tough decision over who partners captain Virgil van Dijk in central defence. The Liverpool boss suggested the solution is likely to be unconventional, hinting that a midfielder could be deployed at centre-back.

Slot’s comments have fueled speculation that Wataru Endo could be handed a rare start in defence. While Endo has primarily operated as a defensive midfielder at Anfield, he has previous experience playing at centre-back during his time in Japan with Shonan Bellmare and Urawa Red Diamonds. It was only after moving to Europe with Sint-Truiden in 2018 that he transitioned permanently into midfield.

The Japan international has made nine appearances for Liverpool this season, starting twice — in a 2-1 victory over Southampton and a 3-0 Carabao Cup defeat to Crystal Palace.

Liverpool head into Wednesday’s fixture sitting fourth in the Champions League standings with 15 points. A win over the Azerbaijani side would secure automatic qualification for the round of 16, allowing the Reds to avoid an additional two-legged play-off amid an already packed schedule.

Despite the stakes, Slot is wary of the challenge Qarabag pose, pointing to their impressive results against top opposition this season, including a 2-2 draw with Chelsea and a 3-2 win over Benfica. He highlighted their direct style, pace, and technical quality, describing them as a difficult side capable of troubling even the biggest teams.

Slot also reflected on Liverpool’s demanding Champions League run so far, noting that the Reds have faced several strong opponents. While they have performed well in Europe, he acknowledged that the intensity of those matches has at times impacted their domestic form, particularly in the days immediately following European fixtures.