A concerning Liverpool injury update has emerged regarding a Reds hero ahead of next weekend’s crucial Premier League clash with Manchester United.
The champions are in the middle of the international break, hoping to see as many players as possible stay fit before they return to domestic action, as Arne Slot’s men look to get their stalling season back on track.
There were two injury concerns after the 2-1 defeat to Chelsea last Sunday, with Ibrahima Konate limping off in the second half and Andy Robertson doing the same after the final whistle.
Now, journalist Keifer MacDonald reports for This Is Anfield that Konate “faces a race against time” to face United at Anfield next Sunday afternoon, having returned to Liverpool early from France duty:
No Konate a big potential blow for Liverpool
Granted, Konate’s form this season has been disappointing overall, with too much sloppiness on show both in and out of possession, but he is still an important player for Liverpool – one who they need to stay fit after injury problems throughout his career.
The 26-year-old is loved by Virgil van Dijk, who knows a thing or two about what makes a top-quality centre-back, with the Reds’ captain hailing him in the past:
“He is a fantastic player who still can be better. As you saw, he is important with the goal, he is defensively solid, a bit unlucky with the goal we conceded, but obviously the qualities he has are outstanding in my opinion. He is learning, growing, getting better and looking after himself much better in order to be ready every three days as that’s what asked.”
Hopefully, Konate’s return to Liverpool is more precautionary than anything, but if he does miss out at home to United, it may give Joe Gomez a big opportunity to shine, with Giovanni Leoni out for the rest of the season with an ACL injury.
