Ibrahima Konate’s absence was noted in Liverpool’s recent draw with Manchester City, attributed to an injury sustained during their emphatic victory over Sparta Prague.
Despite concerns, Jurgen Klopp is optimistic about Konate’s potential return in the upcoming match against Manchester United.
The injury list for Liverpool has been daunting, with Konate being one of 10 senior players sidelined. The timing of his injury raised questions about the decision not to substitute him earlier in the Sparta Prague game.
However, Klopp holds a positive outlook, suggesting Konate might miss only a couple of games, eyeing a return for the crucial face-off at Old Trafford.
Addressing journalists following the 1-1 draw against Manchester City, Klopp said: “Ibou has a chance for United. A good chance.”
This update comes as a relief amidst Liverpool’s defensive challenges, particularly with Joel Matip’s season-ending injury.
The reliance on younger talents like Jarell Quansah, who faced a significant challenge against Manchester City, and the inclusion of 17-year-old Amara Nallo on the bench, highlight the depth issues Liverpool is grappling with.
“Our injury situation is still awful, 11 players still unavailable. It’s crazy,” Klopp said.
“We need players back. All the stories we created with the kids are wonderful, couldn’t be happier.
“But we fight for the biggest prize in football. Ibou Konate is out, we start all three others, if one goes down, we are down to two centre-backs.
“But we came through it. We played really good football in that time, fighting hard. We don’t take that for granted. One or two players back, we can change.”