Ibrahima Konaté has been given the green light to return for Liverpool, according to reports. He might just face Brighton.
This comes from French outlet RMC Sport. They claim that Liverpool’s staff have given Ibrahima Konaté ‘the green light’ to return for the Reds.
Konaté hasn’t played this season, having picked up an injury in the final pre-season friendly. That’s kept him out since but there was always a sense that this international break would see him find fitness.
Jurgen Klopp had said that the Frenchman should return ‘in around around’ the break. That now appears to be true – and Konaté could feature against Brighton this weekend.
Ibrahima Konaté to finally return
Now, this is from a French outlet – not one that you’d expect to have a direct source at Liverpool. Still, we did expect Konaté’s return.
It’s a return that comes at a wonderful time, too. Liverpool will play every few days across the next six weeks as football attempts to fit in all the games they can pre-World Cup. That’s going to cause burnout.
Konaté being fit would allow Jurgen Klopp to rotate his centre-backs across three competitions. It’s a luxury that makes things much easier for Liverpool – especially as Joe Gomez and Joel Matip have questionable fitness records.
But there’s another factor. With the World Cup coming up, Konaté will want to do all he can to be at the tournament. Liverpool can likely count on an extra-motivated player as a result.
Though, the Reds will quietly hope that Konaté doesn’t quite force his way into the national side. Having a month off – especially after this injury – could be a massive win for the player, as it will several Liverpool stars. It would give the team a fully-fit Konaté for the second-half of the season, when trophies are won.
For now, though, Liverpool can welcome their ‘fantastic’ defender back to play a key role over the next six weeks.
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
