Liverpool waiting on star’s fitness as Manchester City clash looms large

Liverpool have to wait for further assessment before confirming the availability of centre-back Ibrahima Konate for the upcoming important fixtures

Before determining his availability for the upcoming Liverpool games, further assessment of a potential injury will be necessary for Ibrahima Konate. Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp substituted Konate in the 51^st minute in the Europa League tie against Sparta Praha on Thursday.

The Reds beat Sparta 1-5 in the first tie of the Europa League round of 16 to secure their dominance. They have suffered numerous injuries to important senior team players during the crucial period, threatening their season’s ambitions.

Liverpool’s prolific forward Mohamed Salah made his much-awaited return to bolster the team and many recently-returned players featured as well. Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo and Darwin Nunez returned from injury against Nottingham Forest last weekend and enjoyed decent game-time.

However, the potential of losing Konate at this time poses a big problem for Klopp, leaving limited centre-back options. Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, Jarell Quansah and Joe Gomez are the remaining options for the centre-back pairing. Joel Matip suffered an ACL rupture in the Premier League game against Fulham in December, sidelining him for the season.

Klopp told the post-match press conference (h/t Liverpoolfc.com) that he substituted Konate as a precaution before problems escalated. He said:

“We don’t know [yet]. Ibou said to me when he passed me in that moment, ‘I thought if I do another sprint then it could be bad.’ So, he said he should be fine, but we don’t know.”

Klopp has wisely balanced the club’s ambition with the practice of giving opportunities to Liverpool academy players. However, he has used the youngsters more regularly due to the severe nature of the injury crisis.

To ensure young players don’t become overexposed to the physical demands of the highest level, they need game management. Players like Jarell Quansah and Conor Bradley have repaid the faith of their manager with consistent performances.

More Liverpool News

• Liverpool legend wants Michael Edwards back at the club irrespective of the role he’d accept
• Liverpool manager Klopp explains one philosophy that helps them compete for every trophy
• Journo reaffirms why Xabi Alonso would find Liverpool a more attractive destination than Bayern Munich

Nevertheless, Klopp needs Konate to be injury-free as the Reds head into the final period of the season. Liverpool will face Manchester City in the Premier League top-of-the-table clash that can define the title race.