Ibrahima Konate is expected back to full team training next week. His return will be a huge boost for Liverpool.
The French defender is yet to make an appearance for Liverpool this season. He suffered a long-term injury in his appearance in the final preseason game. Liverpool lost that game 3-0 defeat to French side Strasbourg. He suffered this injury after a collision. Konate left the field in the second half with a knee injury.
Since that very dreadful moment, he has missed a total of eight games. But after working with physios and in individual strength training sessions, he is edging close to a return to full fitness.
Konate was granted some time away from Merseyside during his recovery period, during which he travelled to Paris.
He is expected to get a few minutes from the bench until he regains full-match fitness. His return will certainly bolster Liverpool’s options. There is hope that he will make the bench in the first game after the international break when Liverpool takes on Brighton Hove Albion.
Klopp and Liverpool have missed his physical presence and speed in defence. Liverpool’s defensive record has been dreadful this season.
5 – Liverpool have conceded the first goal in five games in all competitions this season, the joint-most of any Premier League side along with Southampton. Handicap. pic.twitter.com/Z5oe9XOLxd
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) September 7, 2022
Earlier this month, Jurgen Klopp mentioned that he would be back in and around the international break.
As seen on Twitter, many Liverpool fans can’t wait for to see the Frenchman start his first game of the season.
Ibrahima Konate is ready to start full team training from next week. Much needed boost as his pace and physicality have been hugely missed. #LFC
— Grizz Khan (@GrizzKhan) September 21, 2022
https://twitter.com/Tee025s/status/1572289252062560256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Who do you think Liverpool’s centre-back partnership should be once Konate is back to full fitness? Let us know in the comments section.