Ibrahima Konate injury latest as Liverpool suffer scare ahead of facing Man City

Liverpool haven’t yet ruled Ibrahima Konate out of facing Man City on Sunday despite the defender currently suffering with a muscle injury.

The Frenchman, who has only just returned from a two-month lay-off with a knee injury suffered in pre-season, missed training on Friday as Jurgen Klopp ’s side continue their preparations ahead of facing Pep Guardiola’s reigning champions. However, club sources insist the 23-year-old wasn’t scheduled to train anyway as part of second day recovery, with that always the plan considering he has only just returned from injury.

Despite this, Konate is an injury doubt to face City after suffering a muscle injury. However, the ECHO understands the issue is only minor with the France international not yet ruled out of Sunday’s game as a result.

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The club are waiting to see how well the injury settles down before making a decision on the defender’s availability, with him undergoing further assessment on Saturday. Klopp will give Konate every chance of proving his fitness to face Man City, but is not willing to risk the defender if he is not right given he has only just returned after a lengthy lay-off.

Liverpool have suffered a number of injuries this season, with defenders Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joel Matip and Calvin Ramsay all currently sidelined while Andy Robertson has just returned following a month on the sidelines.

As a result, if Konate, who partnered Virgil van Dijk at centre-back in the 7-1 victory over Rangers in midweek, is not passed fit to face Man City, Joe Gomez is poised to move back to his favoured position at centre-back with James Milner replacing him at right-back. Alternatively, Nat Phillips and Fabinho are both options in the heart of defence.

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