Arne Slot provides updates on Joe Gomez, Ibrahima Konate and Andy Robertson | OneFootball

Liverpool will have just one central defender available for Wednesday’s Champions League tie with Qarabag.

With Ibrahima Konate on compassionate leave following the death of his father and Joe Gomez having picked up an injury against Bournemouth, Virgil van Dijk is the only currently available central defender in the squad.

Asked for an update on Gomez, Slot says he hopes to have him back soon, however.

“No, not really,” Slot replied when asked for a timeframe on the defender’s recovery. “But I can confirm he is not available for tomorrow evening.

“I expect him back in a relatively short amount of time.”

On Konate, Slot says he is also expected to return soon.

“Of course I spoke to him,” he said. “Of course we both know that he’s having a hard time, but I’m hoping and expecting him back soon but also not for tomorrow evening’s game.

“It’s for sure that tomorrow at centre-back, there will not be a centre-back.

“I can only play a midfielder there because there are no centre-backs available apart from Virgil, who I credit a lot for being fit all the time at his age, constantly being ready to play another 90.

“It’s something we should not take for granted.”

Meanwhile, Slot says he expects Andy Robertson to stay at the club this month despite interest from Tottenham.

“Robbo is part of the team tomorrow evening and he’s been part of this club and this squad for so many years,” Slot said.

“Happy to have him, because that’s quite important for us at the moment, to have players available. He will be part of the team, and nothing has happened from my side.

“It’s hard to say anything is definite in this world we are in but I expect him to stay, yes.”