Arne Slot has provided an early update on his Liverpool squad ahead of Saturday’s clash with Newcastle, with Ibrahima Konate expected to return.

Konate has been absent for the last three games having travelled back to France to mourn the death of his father, but the centre-back is due to return for the visit of Newcastle.

Liverpool could also be boosted by the availability of Joe Gomez (hip) and Curtis Jones (illness), though the former’s recovery will be “tight” for the weekend.

“Curtis was sick, so we have to wait and see how it evolves. Joe might be tight,” Slot told reporters after the 6-0 win over Qarabag.

“But hoping and expecting to have Ibou back. I cannot guarantee this, but we are hoping that Ibou will be back with us.”

Konate’s return would be a major boost as Slot was forced to field Ryan Gravenberch at centre-back in midweek with 19-year-old Amara Nallo coming off the bench in the second half.

Provided he is fully fit, it would allow the No. 5 to rejoin Virgil van Dijk as the main pairing while Nallo and perhaps Gomez could provide cover from the bench.

Slot has more issues at right-back, with Jeremie Frimpong already ruled out against Newcastle after picking up a suspected groin injury at the start of Wednesday’s win.

That could see Wataru Endo – considered cover at both centre-back and right-back along with his natural midfield role – make his first start in over three months on the right side of defence.

Wataru Endo at right-back: Arne Slot gives verdict on Qarabag performance



“[It was] positive, as we’re used to from Wata. You give him a job and he does it with all he’s got,” was Slot’s verdict.

“Today he did really well.

“What you lack a little bit if you play him over there is you don’t have as many overlaps or one-vs-one quality as maybe Jeremie Frimpong has, but what he does is so decent and concentrated and focused.

“The good thing of course was also today that we were only attacking; that’s helpful that you have only attacking players on the pitch.

“So the real test for our last line, if we have to play with the same one again, is if you face Newcastle and Manchester City, who I rate a bit above Qarabag.”

The Big Debate

Should Wataru Endo start at right-back vs. Newcastle and Man City?

With Jeremie Frimpong sidelined and Wataru Endo filling in as a makeshift defender, should the Japan international be trusted in the back line for the next two games?

Gomez and Ibrahima Konate were missing from Liverpool training ahead of their Champions League clash with Qarabag FK.

Gomez was injured during Liverpool’s 3-2 loss to Bournemouth, after which Arne Slot provided the following update:

“Joe got a knock from Ali, his knee went somewhere over here (points to his side and stomach),” Slot said after the match.

“I think it was bone on bone and you could see he was just not able to continue. Ali had swelling in his knee.

“I don’t know if Joe is going to train in two or three days, that’s difficult for me to say. But it was clear he couldn’t go on today.”

As for Konate, it is not clear whether he has missed training due to a fitness issue or due to bereavement leave following the passing of his father last week.

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Liverpool defender Joe Gomez joined a growing injury list in Saturday’s defeat to Bournemouth with a decisive Champions L

Joe Gomez of Liverpool goes off with an injury

Joe Gomez gave Liverpool their latest injury scare during the defeat to Bournemouth

Liverpool were dealt a crushing blow in defeat to Bournemouth with virtually the last kick of the game. Emerging from the weekend, Arne Slot’s attention now turns to a key Champions League showdown with several injuries to contend with.

The Reds had high hopes coming into the season as Premier League champions but the reality has been bleaker than expected. After falling 3-2 to the Cherries on the south coast, they’ve dropped to sixth in the standings.

Perhaps their best hope for silverware lies in Europe, and a final league phase meeting against Qarabag at Anfield will be the difference between automatic knockout round qualification or the play-offs.

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Slot has not been helped in the slightest by injuries, but as the important matches keep on coming the ECHO looks at the latest situation regarding selection at the club;

Joe Gomez

Joe Gomez reacts after picking up an injury in Liverpool’s game against Bournemouth

Joe Gomez picked up a heavy knock to his midriff from teammate Alisson Becker as Bournemouth scored their opening goal on Sunday night, which forced an unwanted first-half change for Slot. At full-time, the head coach commented: “I think it was bone on bone and you could see he was just not able to continue. I don’t know if Joe is going to train in two or three days, that’s difficult for me to say. But it was clear he couldn’t go on today.”

Potential return date: Unknown

(Image: Getty Images)

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Federico Chiesa

Liverpool winger Federico Chiesa

Slot had given Federico Chiesa a “50:50” chance of making the squad for Bournemouth at the weekend, and in the end he did not. This came after the Italian forward dropped off the bench with an undisclosed issue for last week’s Champions League trip to Marseille.

Potential return date: Unknown

(Image: Getty Images)

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Ibrahima Konate

Ibrahima Konate has sent a message to supporters following the death of his father.

Ibrahima Konate has been granted compassionate leave following the unfortunate passing of his father last week. He was absent for both Marseille and Bournemouth.