### Liverpool Facing Key Absences Ahead of PSG Showdown
Liverpool will be missing at least four players when they travel to face Paris Saint-Germain in their upcoming Champions League round-of-16 clash on Wednesday night. Despite not having any fixtures over the weekend, the club’s injury concerns have continued to mount.
Defender Joe Gomez and young midfielder Tyler Morton remain long-term absentees due to significant injuries. Gomez is recovering from hamstring surgery, while Morton underwent an operation on his shoulder. Both players have been ruled out for an extended period and will not be available for selection anytime soon.
Another setback for Liverpool comes in the form of Conor Bradley’s injury. The right-back, who has been impressive in recent months, suffered a hamstring issue during last month’s Premier League match against Aston Villa. He is expected to be sidelined for several weeks, further limiting Arne Slot’s defensive options.
Adding to Liverpool’s challenges, Amara Nallo will also be unavailable for the crucial tie in Paris. The young defender is suspended following a red card he received during his senior debut against PSV Eindhoven in January. However, given his limited first-team involvement, his absence is unlikely to significantly affect Slot’s tactical plans for the match.
In addition to the players ruled out through injury or suspension, Liverpool must also be cautious about potential disciplinary concerns. Four key players—defender Ibrahima Konaté, left-back Andy Robertson, midfielder Harvey Elliott, and Argentine playmaker Alexis Mac Allister—are all just one booking away from suspension. If any of them receive a yellow card in the first leg against PSG, they will be forced to miss the return fixture at Anfield.
Mac Allister faces an even greater risk, as he has already served a suspension in the tournament. If he picks up his fourth yellow card, he will be automatically banned for the next game. UEFA’s current rules state that yellow card accumulations remain in effect until the completion of the quarter-finals, meaning these players must navigate the next four matches carefully to avoid missing crucial encounters.
Other Liverpool players, including captain Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch, Luis Díaz, Kostas Tsimikas, and Darwin Núñez, have each received one booking so far in the competition. While they are not in immediate danger of suspension, another two yellow cards would see them miss a game in the later stages of the tournament.
Despite these concerns, Arne Slot and his assistant Sipke Hulshoff will be present on the sidelines for the match in Paris. While both are currently serving a two-match suspension in the Premier League due to their conduct during last month’s controversial 2-2 draw against Everton, the ban does not extend to the Champions League. Therefore, they will be able to take charge of Liverpool’s team for this crucial European fixture.
