Liverpool’s title rivals Manchester City could have been dealt a big blow this evening – with Aymeric Laporte and Fernandinho both going off injured in the Carabao Cup final against Chelsea.
Central defender Laporte was the first to depart, replaced by Vincent Kompany, but the real blow for City would be if Fernandinho was injured for a sustained period of time.
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They have struggled in the Brazilian’s absence before this season and have not got a like-for-like replacement, unlike at centre-back, where they have ample alternatives.
Danilo replaced Fernandinho in the cup final, but he is a right-back normally and would not be a perfect replacement should City’s key man miss any of their next few matches.
It just goes to show that there is a long way to go in the race for the Premier League title – the Reds dropped points today, and may well do so again in the run-in, but so will City. The Reds are a point ahead of them regardless.
Pep Guardiola’s side host West Ham United on Wednesday, and then face Bournemouth away next weekend.