Jurgen Klopp says ‘outstanding’ Liverpool star probably won’t be fit v Manchester United

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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has revealed that Ibrahima Konate didn’t train on Friday ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup trip to Manchester United.

The Reds boss also admitted that the defender would “probably lose” the “tight race” to be fit and available for the match.

Konate handed Liverpool an injury scare last week when he limped off during the 5-1 Europa League round-of-16 first-leg win away at Sparta Prague.

The centre-back then missed the 1-1 Premier League draw with Manchester City at the weekend and the Europa League last-16 second-leg win over Sparta at Anfield.

Last week, Klopp suggested that Konate could be available for the FA Cup quarter-final against Erik ten Hag’s Red Devils.

Indeed, the centre-back was spotted in light training on Tuesday. However, the Liverpool boss isn’t quite so optimistic now.

Ibrahima Konate fitness race is one Liverpool ‘will probably lose’

Speaking ahead of Sunday’s huge game at Old Trafford, Klopp admitted that it’s not looking good for Konate’s chances of playing in that match.

“Ibou didn’t train today, we have to see if he can train tomorrow but it will be a tight, tight race which we will probably lose, but we don’t know,” he told the Liverpool media team.

Interestingly, Konate has been called up to the France squad for their friendlies against Germany and Chile on March 23 and 26 respectively.

This suggested that the 24-year-old’s fitness issues weren’t too bad. And admittedly, Klopp didn’t rule the player out completely.

However, he doesn’t seem particularly confident that Konate will be fit to play on Sunday. Even if he does train tomorrow, it remains to be seen whether Klopp will risk him.

Luckily, Liverpool have some good strength in depth at centre-back. They have Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah who can fill in for the ‘outstanding‘ Frenchman.