Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate is set to be available to face Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday
Konate missed the Reds game against West Ham United on Wednesday, with Jurgen Klopp confirming the Frenchman was simply being rested. And speaking in his pre-Spurs press conference today, the manager claimed that he’ll have his No.5 back this weekend.
“Ibou will be back,” said Klopp, before giving a wider injury update. “I guess Naby will train today, I didn’t get the medical report yet, but probably. Ox is in training. No one else, we have a couple of players out but everybody knows about them.”
Konate ready for Kane test
As Liverpool prepare to face one of the best strikers in Europe, it’s nice to know they’ll have Ibou back to pick from. Despite Tottenham’s poor form, Harry Kane has still been finding the net regularly. The Reds need their first-choice defenders to keep him quiet.
Right now, Konate is comfortably part of Liverpool’s best two at the back, alongside Virgil van Dijk. The £35m man has outshone his older teammate in recent weeks, but Van Dijk roared back with a top display against West Ham midweek.
When the two of them are on form, there aren’t many better partnerships throughout European football. If only the Reds could have counted on Ibou’s fitness all season.
All that’s left now is to make the most of what remains of 2022/23. There’s still something to play for for Liverpool and beating Spurs will give them a good chance of securing their place in European competition next season. If they’re to do that on Sunday, then Konate will be vital.
Joel Matip stepped into the breach admirably against West Ham, even bagging himself a winning goal. But he has shown too much vulnerability when up against top players this season.
Konate has had a couple of wobbles but by and large has been Liverpool’s best defender this term. He should be in the XI whenever possible for the rest of the campaign.