Liverpool have received a boost with the swift return of Ibrahima Konate ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Bayer Leverkusen.
Following the Reds’ 2-1 Premier League victory over Brighton, attention now shifts to the Champions League, where Liverpool will aim to maintain their perfect record this season.
Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen, led by Xabi Alonso, will visit Anfield, making for an intriguing matchup.
Konate’s availability was in question after he was substituted at halftime over the weekend due to an apparent arm issue, but he participated in full training on Monday.
His return is a significant boost for Liverpool, though it remains to be seen whether manager Arne Slot will opt for Joe Gomez instead.
“Yeah, he is available to play,” head coach Arne Slot told the media of the defender during his press conference on Monday afternoon.
“And I think also completely recovered, so there is no issue for him to not play because of what he had.
“Then it is up to me to make the decision if he plays or not. But he is in a good place.”
Meanwhile, Alisson, Harvey Elliott, Federico Chiesa, and Diogo Jota remain sidelined and are not expected back until after the international break.
Young talents James Norris and Tom Hill were involved in training on Monday and could be named in the extended squad.
Slot may also consider additional changes with Aston Villa’s visit looming on Saturday.
Andy Robertson could replace Kostas Tsimikas at left-back, while Curtis Jones may push for a starting spot after a somewhat inconsistent midfield display against Brighton.
Below is the full Liverpool squad to face Leverkusen, according to This is Anfield:
Goalkeepers: Kelleher, Jaros, Davies
Defenders: Van Dijk, Konate, Quansah, Gomez, Alexander-Arnold, Bradley, Robertson, Tsimikas, Norris
Midfielders: Mac Allister, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Jones, Endo, Morton, Nyoni, Hill
Forwards: Salah, Diaz, Nunez, Gakpo
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Arne Slot confirms Ibrahima Konate’s availability for Bayer Leverkusen clash
