Liverpool head into their Champions League tie against Inter Milan with a number of selection dilemmas, as several key players are struggling for form or fitness. Ibrahima Konaté, once a reliable figure in defence, has looked a shadow of his former self in recent weeks. Uncertainty over his future appears to be weighing heavily on him, and his recent performances have suffered as a result. His latest outing against Leeds was particularly costly, as he conceded a penalty while Liverpool were 2-0 up, allowing the hosts back into the game. Despite these struggles, manager Arne Slot has largely kept faith with the French centre-back due to a lack of depth in the position.
However, with Joe Gomez fully fit and available, it seems sensible to give him a starting spot at centre-back for the trip to Italy. Konaté could benefit from a rest, both physically and mentally, as his confidence and focus appear to be lacking at the moment.
Midfield remains another area of concern. Florian Wirtz has shown glimpses of improvement, but he is still far from justifying his £115 million price tag. Since joining Liverpool in the summer, Wirtz has yet to score and has failed to register an assist in his last seven matches, six of which he started. Against a strong Inter side that sits second in Serie A and is expected to control possession, starting Wirtz as the primary attacking midfielder could be risky. A more balanced midfield, emphasizing robust, box-to-box players, would likely give Liverpool a better chance of competing effectively in the middle of the park against Inter’s 3-5-2 setup.
Defensively, Liverpool’s left-back position has also been under scrutiny. Milos Kerkez, who arrived from Bournemouth amid high expectations, has struggled to live up to his billing. His inconsistent performances have frustrated fans and highlighted the broader defensive issues the team has faced this season. In contrast, Andy Robertson has demonstrated his quality, particularly during the Champions League win over Real Madrid, where he delivered a standout performance. Many supporters believe Slot should reinstate Robertson as the starting left-back. With Kerkez continuing to falter, it is likely that Robertson will be called upon to start in Milan, ensuring greater stability and experience in a vital match.
As Liverpool prepare for a challenging trip to the San Siro, Slot faces difficult decisions. Resting Konaté, opting for a stronger midfield, and reinstating Robertson could be key moves to give the Reds their best chance of overcoming one of Italy’s toughest sides. The stakes are high, and every selection choice will be under scrutiny from fans and pundits alike
