Injury Updates
FITNESS UPDATE Ibrahima Konate return date and updates on Joe Gomez and Curtis Jones
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?
The injury crisis in Liverpool’s defensive line now extends to the players who are yet to move to Anfield.
Jeremy Jacquet, who will join the Reds this summer in a £55m move from Rennes, was forced off the pitch in the second game after the transfer was announced.
The 20-year-old appeared to hurt his shoulder after an unlucky, awkward fall.
Even the official Ligue 1 account on social media wished Jacquet well after he was subbed off. The extent of the issue is yet unknown.
Try out our statistics hub: all stats for Europe’s top 5 leagues! Easy access to stats for all leagues too.
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.
‘I tried to scream towards my players to put the ball out of play’: Slot on playing with 10 men between Bournemouth goals
Would Liverpool consider sacking Arne Slot? Here’s what Jamie Carragher thinks
Liverpool’s defensive depth reduced as youngster Wellity Lucky out for two months – James Pearce
Injury Updates
Joe Gomez, Federico Chiesa – Liverpool injury latest and return dates after Bournemouth nightmare
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.
Liverpool have striker who can’t stop scoring as 14-year-old makes history
Jamie Carragher sends brutal warning to Harvey Elliott as Liverpool transfer prediction made
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)
1 of 6
1
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)
2 of 6
1
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.
-
Featured4 months agoVAR AND REFEREE ERROR Why Manchester United goal stood despite head injury to Liverpool star Alexis Mac Allister
-
ARSENAL'4 months agoArsenal’s next five fixtures compared to Liverpool and Man City after Crystal Palace win
-
Liverpool4 months agoPremier League explains two controversial Liverpool penalty decisions as referee replaced
-
ARSENAL INJURY UPDATE3 months ago
Gabriel Jesus training footage sends clear message to Mikel Arteta ahead of Tottenham clash
-
Featured3 months agocentre-backs available THIS SUMMER for Liverpool FC
-
Arsenal predicted XI4 months agoFulham 0-1 Arsenal 69: NO PENALTY! Finally the decision is made. Anthony Taylor steps away from the screen and announces that Kevin played the ball. It seemed pretty clear but it took an age to get there.
-
Liverpool4 months agoGOAL! Brentford 2-1 Liverpool | Kerkez ’45+5
-
Arsenal predicted XI4 months agoFormer Arsenal star training with first-team ahead of Atletico Madrid