Why Ibrahima Konate Was Missing From Liverpool Training Squad

that the Frenchman is back in his home country for family reasons and it “remains to be seen” whether he will join up with the squad on Wednesday.

While Konate’s performances haven’t always been up to scratch, he has started every Premier League and Champions League match alongside Virgil van Dijk this season.

If he can’t feature against Marseille, Joe Gomez should start next to the captain in defence, with Jeremie Frimpong at right-back due to Conor Bradley‘s injury.

After Liverpool lost out on signing Marc Guehi on transfer deadline day in the summer, Giovanni Leoni‘s ACL injury early in the season left Liverpool very short of central defenders.

If Gomez or Van Dijk were to drop out for any reason, Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo would be the next-best contenders to start in defence, while Andy Robertson could also be an emergency option.

Konate’s possible absence against Marseille is a blow, but Liverpool’s attacking ranks have enjoyed a boost thanks to the return of Salah.

Since the Egyptian left for AFCON, Liverpool have played seven games.

In the same time period, Salah played six full matches, as well as 30 minutes of extra time in the round of 16, as Egypt came fourth at the tournament.

While his relationship with Arne Slot has infamously taken a hit, the head coach is pleased that he has returned.

Slot said: “Even if I had 15 attackers I still would have been happy that he comes back, but that’s not our current situation. Happy to have him back.”