Liverpool Handed Defensive Boost Ahead of Saturday’s Premier League Fixture

Ibrahima Konate remained on the bench for France and is now set to return to Liverpool. It wasn’t unexpected that Didier Deschamps opted for his usual defensive pairing.

After France’s 3-1 defeat to Italy, and with growing pressure from the public, the head coach reverted to the partnership that had helped the team reach the Euro 2024 semi-finals.

William Saliba of Arsenal has solidified his spot in the French lineup, while Dayot Upamecano of Bayern Munich appears to still be favored over Konate.

Upamecano replaced the Liverpool defender and contributed to France’s 2-0 win against Belgium in the Nations League on Monday.

Once again, Konate found himself in a situation similar to the Euros, where he didn’t get any playing time. This decision, however, was likely not a concern for Liverpool’s medical team or manager Arne Slot. In fact, they might have been relieved.

Had Konate participated in both of France’s matches, Liverpool could have faced a dilemma about his readiness to start their game against Nottingham Forest when the Premier League resumes on Saturday.

Liverpool’s centre-back has begun the season in impressive fashion. After coming on for Jarell Quansah at halftime against Ipswich Town, his displays have been almost flawless.

Konate added the physical presence needed for Liverpool to secure a 2-0 victory at Ipswich in the season opener, which was followed by another 2-0 win over Brentford and a commanding 3-0 victory against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

There has long been a belief that Konate is the ideal defensive partner for Virgil van Dijk. However, since his £35 million move from RB Leipzig in 2021, the 25-year-old’s progress has been hampered by injuries.

Staying injury-free has been a challenge, and his recovery periods have often taken longer than expected.

A hamstring injury sustained in a 5-1 Europa League victory over Sparta Prague in the round of 16 last March limited Konate’s involvement during the final weeks of Jurgen Klopp’s tenure as manager.

Speaking at the Euros, the 25-year-old admitted he was not fully fit. “It’s frustrating but I know my role on and off the field,” he said. A 100 per cent Ibou would never have sat on the bench.”

The main focus for Slot and his medical team will be carefully managing Konate’s playing time. They’ve had the advantage of doing so with Liverpool’s current schedule of just one game per week.

However, once the season resumes, the start of the Champions League and the Reds’ Carabao Cup defense against West Ham United will require more attention.

The fixture schedule is about to get significantly busier. Slot has already warned of that. “Again, three games played – only games from Saturday to Sunday or Sunday to Sunday, so there is still a lot for us to prove if we are going to play Champions League,” the head coach said after the United win.

“I don’t want to be the one that spoils everything but two years ago was the last season that we played Champions League and we all know how that season ended. There is a lot to prove for us, if we play the difficult games in Champions League and still be good at the weekend.”

Liverpool will have full control over Konate’s playing time. Klopp can choose to start him on the bench for specific matches or substitute him before the game ends.

However, when he’s with the French national team, Liverpool have no say. While they can make suggestions, the final decision rests with Deschamps.

Given that van Dijk played two matches for the Netherlands and Quansah had two appearances for England’s U21s, Konate returns in better shape.

In other Liverpool news, Liverpool Youngster Set for New Challenge Under Arne Slot