Liverpool trio set to be on the sidelines ahead of huge game against Manchester City

Liverpool will return to the Premier League on Sunday after defeating Real Madrid in spectacular fashion to make it five victories from five and reclaim the top spot in the redesigned Champions League group stage. And when Manchester City comes to Anfield, it should be an exciting game.

It may also be a crucial contest. Leading team Liverpool will enter the match eight points ahead of second-place Manchester City, who are aware that a sixth loss in seven games would almost eliminate their chances of winning the championship for a record-tying fifth consecutive year.

Pep Guardiola's team stopped the rot on Tuesday night when they drew 3-3 at home against Arne Slot's old team, Feyenoord, in the Champions League, but it was far from a happy ending because they threw away a three-goal lead in the frenzied final moments.

The Reds, on the other hand, triumphed against defending champions Madrid 2-0 at Anfield the next night, marching on wonderfully. However, there was a price for the victory: both Ibrahima Konate and Conor Bradley took blows.

The last thing Liverpool head coach, Arne Slot wanted was to see more players go into treatment before a match that might decide the race for the English Premier League, especially as he already had four important first-team players out.

Will Ibrahima Konate and Connor Bradley start against Manchester City?

Bradley was substituted off with a few minutes left on Wednesday due to what seemed to be a hamstring injury, capping an incredible performance that included a fierce challenge on Kylian Mbappe as well as an assist for Alexis Mac Allister's first goal. Although the player's evaluation was still pending, Arne Slot acknowledged that the circumstances surrounding how he left on Wednesday were not particularly promising.

After the final whistle, Konate needed extensive treatment before hobbling off after taking a serious blow to the leg from an attempted tackle by Madrid replacement Endrick during the closing action of the game. Slot reiterated that Liverpool was waiting for more study because of the manner Konate hobbled off the field.