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Former Liverpool goalkeeper David James is not worried that defender Ibrahima Konate is lacking form at the moment — but says it would be a difficult situation for Arne Slot if the Frenchman were to pick up an injury.
Liverpool tried to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace on transfer deadline day, but the move broke down late on when manager Oliver Glasner was unable to source a replacement. The Reds did a deal for the young Italian, Giovanni Leoni, earlier in the window, and kept Joe Gomez despite interest from AC Milan and Brighton.
"I think the risk for Liverpool at center-back is that if Konate gets injured, who will come in to replace him?" James, speaking to Esports Betting, asked.
"The issue is that they’re not playing well currently — when this team starts rolling, it will begin to alleviate the pressure on Konate. But if he picks up an injury or gets booked, that would be a travesty.
"Having said that, I don’t think missing out on Guehi is a major issue for them. I think they will cope fine if they start to play better and take the pressure off their defenders."
Konate has had a patchy injury history in the past, but stayed fit during Slot's first campaign at the helm. In Gomez and Leoni, there is depth, though the latter is inexperienced and yet to make his Liverpool debut.
Earlier this week, Konate replied to a social media post about his performances. He is inside the final year of his existing contract, with no sign of a breakthrough in negotiations yet.
Amid the speculation and uncertainty, fan aggregator Anfield Sector wrote on Instagram: "If Konate plays like he has in the last two games for the rest of the season I'll have no issue wishing him well if he decides to leave at the end of the season, top draw. Would love us to renew him but feels unlikely."
Konate surprisingly replied. "The problem is some of you forget too quick... only after two games," he wrote. He also thanked one account for praising him.
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Konate is not the only Liverpool player to engage with a fan aggregator account on social media in recent weeks.
Mohamed Salah responded to a post on X claiming that Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak are upgrades on Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez by writing: "How about we celebrate the great signings without disrespecting the PL champions?"
Konate is expected to line up for Liverpool later today against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League. He has started every game of the season so far, helping to keep a clean sheet against Arsenal.
Liverpool.com says: As long as Konate stays fit, Liverpool will have more than enough depth at center-back. Gomez is top drawer when he is available, and Leoni looks a real talent, even if he is more one for the future.
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