Arne Slot gives Liverpool team news update on Ibrahima Konate and three others ahead of Newcastle

The trio missed Liverpool's Champions League win against Qarabag and the Dutchman was asked on Friday if they will return in time for the Premier League clash against Newcastle

Liverpool boss Arne Slot speaking during a press conference

Arne Slot has revealed Ibrahima Konate and Curtis Jones should be back to face Newcastle United this weekend.

The Liverpool head coach has been met with a mouting list of absentees in recent weeks, with both missing the midweek Champions League victory over Qarabag. Konate was on compassionate leave in France following the death of his father, while Jones was ill.

Speaking on Friday, Slot confirmed both will be back to face Newcastle, but there was less positive news on Joe Gomez, who picked up a hip injury in last week's defeat at Bournemouth and had to sit out the Qarabag game.

"Ibou trained with us yesterday. He will train with us today and will be in the squad tomorrow," Slot said. "Curtis is available after illness," he added.

On, Gomez, the head coach continued: "Joe will not be available, but that will not take much longer."

Meanwhile, Slot also provided an update on Jeremie Frimpong, who was replaced after just three minutes against Qarabag.

Jeremie Frimpong was forced off during Liverpool's win over Qarabag(Image: Getty Images)

"He will not be in the squad tomorrow. He is out for a few weeks, but it's not as bad as we though. So something positive from something not so positive.".

The Reds remain without long-term absentees Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leono and Alexander Isak, with the latter missing out on a reunion with his former side.

Asked about Isak, Slot replied: "He is not even on the pitch. He is just out of his walker. That tells you he is not expected on the pitch today or tomorrow. It’s going to take a while until he is back."

Slot gave a detailed injured update during Liverpool's pre-match press conference(Image: 2026 Liverpool FC)

Liverpool and Newcastle are separated by three points in the table, with the Reds looking to end a five-match Premier League run without a win at Anfield on Saturday.

"Every game is crucial but the way we have positioned ourselves now makes every game crucial because top four is what we want to achieve," Slot said ahead of the game.

"They are all crucial games and we have experienced how tough it is against Newcastle, always tough games for us but for them as well.

"One to look forward to because we both had a good result in the week and a home game at Anfield is always something to look forward to."