Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has revealed defender Ibrahima Konate is available for selection for tomorrow’s Premier League clash against Leeds United.
The 23-year-old picked up a knee injury during a pre-season friendly against Strasbourg at the end of July.
After more than a two-month spell on the sidelines, the Frenchman made his Reds return with a 21-minute cameo in the side’s 3-2 loss to Arsenal. Just three days later, he was back in action, featuring in Klopp’s starting XI for their dominant 7-1 Champions League victory over Rangers.
However, since then, Konate is yet to play a single minute of football. He recently appeared on the bench as Liverpool eased to a 3-0 win at Ajax, but the centre-back failed to grace the pitch.
During his latest pre-match press conference, Klopp spoke of the defender’s absence against the Dutch giants, revealing he is now definitely fit to play against Leeds tomorrow.
“Yes, I would say the Ajax game, we didn’t have more subs so we could take him with us, but he was not really ready for this game. In a very serious situation in the last five minutes maybe, but he’s available now.”
Konate fit to play against Leeds
With Joel Matip again out-of-action for the Reds, Konate’s return will come as a major boost for Klopp’s squad selection.
In his absence, Joe Gomez was thrown back into Liverpool’s starting XI next to Virgil van Dijk, replicating the defensive partnership which saw the side clinch the 2019/20 Premier League title.
Having been voted Player of the Match in the Reds’ emphatic 1-0 win over Manchester City, Gomez certainly stepped up to the plate when needed.
However, Trent Alexander-Arnold has struggled to maintain his form in recent weeks, with few pundits claiming he needs resting from Klopp’s XI.
Upon Konate’s return, the Liverpool manager will be able to do just that, with Gomez slotting in at right-back next to the France international.
Having arrived at Anfield in a deal worth £36m, the 23-year-old has emerged as a formidable presence in Klopp’s back-line. The centre-back’s imposing stature and physicality has withstood the test of English football, and Konate’s bursting pace has enabled last-man recovery when needed.
Therefore, whilst Gomez and Matip are two very solid options Klopp can pair up with Van Dijk, Konate has already emerged as one of the most exciting young defenders in European football.
Consequently, it is hoped he will enjoy a long and prosperous career with Liverpool, as he has already claimed he could see himself retiring at Anfield.
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