Liverpool are optimistic that centre back Ibrahima Konaté will be fit enough to face Manchester United when club football returns next weekend, a report has revealed.
Konaté picked up an injury during the 2–1 defeat to Chelsea before the international break but still reported for France duty, where he was examined for a week before the decision was ultimately made to send him back to Liverpool for further treatment.
With United due at Anfield on Oct. 19, Konaté faces an obvious race against time to return to contention, but state there is hope inside Liverpool that the defender will be able to play.
Liverpool are confident Konaté’s issue is a minor one which will not require much time on the sidelines, unlike the knee injury which kept him out for over a month last season.
While Konaté’s form has come into question amid interest from Real Madrid over a free transfer next summer, the France international remains a key player for manager Arne Slot, whose defensive options are currently limited.
