Brighton & Hove Albion's Kaoru Mitoma in action with Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate
Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konate is in a ‘good position’ to return from injury against Wolverhampton Wanderers tonight, according to expert Ben Dinnery.
The Lowdown: Liverpool’s defensive issues
The Reds have shown some signs of improvement defensively in recent Premier League matches, having been on the receiving end of a 3-0 defeat away at Wolves at the beginning of February, keeping clean sheets in their last three top flight games.
However, Jurgen Klopp‘s side have been inconsistent, suffering a heavy 5-2 defeat against Real Madrid at Anfield earlier this month, a match that Konate was not involved in, as a result of a hamstring injury sustained against Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Latest: Dinnery’s update
In an interview with GiveMeSport, after Klopp said Konate is “near” a full recovery, Dinnery claimed that the Frenchman could be among the players who travel to Anfield for tonight’s clash against Wolves.
The injury expert said: “Ibrahima Konate is back in training. By the time that next game comes along, he’s probably got about four, possibly even five sessions under his belt.
“So, he should be in a good position to maybe return to that matchday squad, and that just means that it eases that burden with regards to having to maybe rush the likes of Joe Gomez back.”
The Verdict: Exciting news
Klopp is well-stocked in the centre-back department, however some of his other options in defence have not impressed so far this season, with Gabriel Agbonlahor recently claiming the manager ‘can’t rely’ on Joe Gomez and Joel Matip.
As such, it is fantastic news that Konate could be involved in some capacity tonight, especially considering he out-performs Gomez and Matip on several key metrics, including the average amount of tackles and aerials he has won per 90 in the past year.
Liverpool are still well within reach of securing a top-four finish, currently sitting nine points behind Tottenham Hotspur with two games in hand, and Klopp will want to have his best players available to give his side the best possible chance of securing Champions League football.
The 6 foot 4 colossus, who has been hailed ‘outstanding’ by the media, is firmly in that category, and it is a real boost that he should return to the first team soon.
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