Liverpool head into the international break with a number of question marks surrounding key players.
Aside from the longer-term issues, there have been a couple of problems thrown up more recently. After Sunday’s defeat against Manchester United, Jurgen Klopp admitted that he should have perhaps substituted a trio of Liverpool players.
In light of that, Darwin Nunez has withdrawn from the Uruguay squad, while Luis Diaz has skipped training for Colombia. Nervous times lie ahead as we wait to see the severity of their respective issues.
Meanwhile, one player who was – surprisingly – included in his nation’s plans was Ibrahima Konate. Having missed Liverpool’s last three games, it had perhaps been expected that Konate would sit out of France’s two friendlies. But there he was in the squad.
And despite being unable to feature even on the bench against United two days ago, the 24-year-old was pictured looking in good spirits during France training yesterday. While it’s great to see Ibou back involved, you do have to wonder just how fit he is and whether all of this is really necessary.
Konate back in training
It’s terrific to see Konate back and available, even if it isn’t for Liverpool. We’re going to need him during the run-in.
Nevertheless, you can only imagine Jurgen Klopp’s reaction to this news.
While it clearly wasn’t a bad injury for Konate, it did lead to him missing 10 days. With France’s two games being friendlies over the next week, picking the centre-back feels like a risk that didn’t need to be taken.
By the time Les Bleus take on Germany on Saturday, Konate won’t have played for more than two weeks. If he plays a significant part in that game, Klopp will be worried.
Recently described as being ‘unbelievable’ by right-back Conor Bradley, Liverpool can’t afford for Konate to be missing again.
Jarell Quansah has done fantastically in his absence – especially against Manchester City at Anfield. But there’s no question that Ibou is Liverpool’s second best centre-back.
As a result, they’ll be crossing everything that he comes back healthy from the time away with his nation.
If he does, then Konate will surely be straight back into the action with Liverpool. If not, then Klopp is going to hit the roof.