Ibrahima Konate is questionable for Sunday’s game against Newcastle, according to Jurgen Klopp, dealing the defense an unnecessary blow.
The argument over whether Liverpool needs a midfielder or a center back more before the summer transfer window closes (September 1) has become louder.
As a result of the tactical shift, Trent Alexander-Arnold is moving farther forward in possession, Konate is playing a key role on the right, and the Reds’ center-backs are now even more crucial.
Although Konate is among the first players listed on the roster, Klopp said in his pre-game news conference that the Frenchman “is a doubt” for the trip to Newcastle due to a muscular ailment.
The manager continued, “Playing 40 minutes with 10 men [against Bournemouth] didn’t help. That is the circumstance.
Because Liverpool’s No. 5 played the full 90 minutes last weekend and has been absent from practice since Tuesday, one of Joel Matip or Joe Gomez will likely replace him.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – SATURDAY, AUGUST 19, 2023: Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Ibrahima Konaté play for Liverpool FC against AFC Bournemouth in the FA Premier League at Anfield. Liverpool triumphed 3-1.
Pace is a crucial quality with a large area to cover, so there is a major need to fill. Matip has already acknowledged he will “need to adapt” to the new approach because “the right-back will not be there.”
In a perfect scenario, according to Klopp, “we would have six, seven, or eight center backs,” but there was little hope that another would be signed this summer.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is available following an ankle injury, and Curtis Jones and Thiago will both be available to play against Aston Villa on September 3.
The “very good news” that Alexis Mac Allister will be available for selection following the reversal of his three-game suspension for a red card was also mentioned by Klopp.
