How Liverpool are feeling about Ibrahima Konate’s injury as he returns early from France duty

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Liverpool are hopeful that Ibrahima Konate’s latest injury setback is not as serious as initially feared as he prepares to return to Merseyside.

The 26-year-old has been dismissed from his duties with France due to issues regarding a quad injury sustained before the international break.

Arne Slot has already lost one centre-back this season after Giovanni Leoni suffered a season-ending ACL injury during his debut against Southampton in the Carabao Cup.

Following three consecutive defeats across all competitions, the Reds will resume their Premier League campaign with an all-important clash against Manchester United.

Now, the latest update has emerged regarding Konate.

Liverpool are hopeful Ibrahima Konate will be fit to face Man United

According to James Pearce, Liverpool reporter for The Athletic, the Reds remain hopeful that Konate has only suffered a minor setback and will be ready to host United at Anfield.

“Konate coming back to Merseyside for assessment and treatment. Liverpool hopeful it’s only a minor issue and that he could be fit to face Man United next weekend.”

The Frenchman has been “poor” for Liverpool this season, but alongside captain Virgil van Dijk, he makes what is considered the preferred centre-back partnership at the club.

Konate was bullied by Jean-Philippe Mateta against Crystal Palace and has been culpable for several goals conceded already this season.

Indeed, Konate’s displays have left a lot to be desired, but he remains an integral player for Slot, and his potential absence would leave the Reds with only two senior centre-back options.

This latest revelation would explain why Konate was substituted during the 2-1 loss against Chelsea last time out, with Ryan Gravenberch moving into the backline.

Joe Gomez is still not quite match fit and was outperformed by Leoni in the Carabao Cup before his injury; however, the Reds’ longest-serving player will likely be thrust into action if Konate cannot feature.

Joe Gomez cannot afford to start against Manchester United

The 28-year-old was an instrumental figure in Jurgen Klopp’s title success during the 2019/20 campaign but has since failed to replicate those heights.

Furthermore, Gomez has a less-than-desirable injury record, and if he takes to the field against United ahead of schedule, he is very likely to be at risk of another injury.

Ruben Amorim has proven throughout his disastrous spell at Old Trafford that he is capable of getting a result on the big occasion; therefore, the Reds will need to be at their best.

Whether it be Wataru Endo, Gravenberch, or one of the many talented youth prospects at the academy, Slot has more worthwhile options to replace Konate.