2 weeks ago
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Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate has provided a positive injury update, easing worries about his readiness for Sunday's showdown with Manchester United.
The French center-back was substituted during the Chelsea match prior to the international break and subsequently pulled out of duty due to a thigh issue. The Reds are eager to rebound from back-to-back Premier League losses as they face United on Sunday, trailing table-topper Arsenal by a mere point in second place.
Konate has been a stalwart for the title contenders, but his fitness issues have put a strain on Liverpool's defensive options. Giovanni Leoni continues to be out of action with a severe knee injury following surgery, which he sustained during the Carabao Cup tie against Southampton.
As a result, central defensive options at Anfield are scarce.
On Friday, Konate posted a series of photos on his Instagram account, depicting him arriving at the training ground, going through his warm-up routine, and participating in post-session celebrations.
Arne Slot indicated that he expected Konate to train, and the defender seems to have confirmed his involvement ahead of Sunday's crucial match. Whether he'll feature in the game remains uncertain, but his return to training will undoubtedly be a significant boost for Slot.
Looking ahead to Sunday's Anfield clash with Ruben Amorim's side, the Liverpool manager confirmed Ryan Gravenberch remained available despite his withdrawal from Netherlands duty during the international break, though expressed greater uncertainty regarding Konate.
"We are in a good place with the Dutch national team if Ronald Koeman can make a decision either to play Tijjani Reijnders or Ryan Gravenberch, so he played them both 45 minutes," said Slot.
"Ibou has come back to us, started the sessions again, and is expected to train with us today."
The former RB Leipzig defender has endured fitness issues throughout his Anfield career.
Liverpool failed to secure Marc Guehi before the transfer deadline and allowed Jarell Quansah to join Bayer Leverkusen during a summer clearout, leaving the Reds perilously close to a defensive emergency with just one more setback.
Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez would represent the sole center-back pairing available should Italian prospect Leoni remain sidelined.
Andy Robertson and Gravenberch are nonetheless viewed as potential emergency defensive cover should Liverpool's injury concerns worsen.
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