Gravenberch boost, Konate back as Liverpool prime Anfield for Man United

Make no mistake, this is the sort of news that steadies a dressing room before a seismic Sunday at Anfield. Arne Slot, steering the reigning Premier League champions through a sticky spell, expects Ryan Gravenberch to be ready for Manchester United, while Ibrahima Konate is due back in full training after cutting short his international duty. Big boosts, both of them.

Midfield relief as Gravenberch shrugs off scare

The Dutch midfielder sparked a few palpitations when he came off at half-time for the Netherlands after feeling a hamstring twinge in their 4-0 win over Finland. But it proved precautionary, and Slot is set to have him available. Reports this week indicated the manager was confident, and you can see why: Gravenberch gives Liverpool legs, line-breaking dribbles and a bit of swagger between the thirds—exactly what you want when United come to town.

Konate’s timely return after quad concern

Konate limped out late on in that 2-1 defeat at Chelsea with a quad issue. He travelled with France but didn’t see the pitch, was listed among the subs for the win over Azerbaijan, then headed home and sat out the draw with Iceland. Slot now expects him back in the mix at Kirkby, which is a relief. His recovery pace and aggression could be pivotal against United’s counter.

Alisson out; Mamardashvili to continue in goal

The bad news remains between the sticks. Alisson hasn’t featured since a hamstring problem flared in the Champions League loss to Galatasaray earlier this month. Summer signing Giorgi Mamardashvili is poised to deputise once more and make his fourth appearance of the season. He’s a commanding shot-stopper; the test will be distribution and dealing with traffic under the Anfield lights.

Leoni’s ACL blow adds to defensive headaches

In cruel contrast, new recruit Giovanni Leoni faces a long road back. The Italian centre-half suffered an ACL tear in the EFL Cup win over Southampton and is set to miss at least a year, likely ruling him out of the entire 2025/26 campaign. It’s a brutal setback for a young defender who had impressed early doors.

Form, context and the Anfield factor

Slot’s men have hit a wobble—three defeats on the spin to Crystal Palace, Galatasaray and Chelsea—the first such run since the Dutchman took the reins. That makes Sunday’s showdown feel even bigger. Expect Liverpool to press with purpose, lean on the crowd, and look to Gravenberch for tempo while easing Konate back sensibly if selected.

If you’re weighing up the odds on best betting sites, keep this in mind: Gravenberch’s availability and Konate’s return swing the momentum back Liverpool’s way, even with Alisson sidelined. United will fancy a counter-punch, but the Anfield cauldron tends to raise red shirts a notch.

Bottom line

Fitness breaks have fallen Liverpool’s way at just the right moment: Gravenberch ready to go, Konate back with the group, and Mamardashvili standing tall in goal. That cocktail should give Slot the platform he needs to spark a response when the old enemy rolls up on Sunday.