Jurgen Klopp has revealed Ibrahima Konate is a doubt for Sunday’s trip to Newcastle, meaning an unnecessary blow to the defence.
The debate over which Liverpool need more, a central defender or a midfielder, has gotten louder as we approach the end of the summer transfer window (September 1).
With the system change, the importance of the Reds’ centre-backs has increased and Konate plays an important role on the right, with Trent Alexander-Arnold moving further up in possession.
Konate is one of the first names in the squad, but during the pre-match press conference, Klopp revealed the Frenchman is “a doubter” with a muscle injury ahead of the trip to Newcastle.
The coach went on to say, “Game 40 minutes [vs. Bournemouth] with 10 men didn’t help. This is the situation.”
The Liverpool No5 played the full 90 minutes last weekend and hasn’t trained since Thursday, which means either Joel Matip or Joe Gomez are expected to take over for him.
It is a large gap to fill with speed, an important feature needed with ample space to fill, and Matip has already admitted that he “will have to adapt” to the new system as “there is no right-back, there will be the first time.”
Klopp went on to say “in an ideal world we have six, seven, eight core halves”, but there wasn’t much optimism that another half would be added this summer.
Moving on to other squad news, Trent Alexander-Arnold is available following a knock to his ankle, while both Curtis Jones and Thiago are eligible for selection against Aston Villa on 3 September.
Klopp also spoke of the “excellent news” that Alexis Mac Allister is available for selection after his three-match ban was overturned for a red card.
More news……..
Alexis Mac Allister answers after red card in “dream come true” debut
Alexis Mac Allister has reacted to his controversial red card against Bournemouth, calling his home debut a “dream come true”.
The midfielder’s day was cut short by a controversial dismissal for a foul on Bournemouth’s Ryan Christie.
As things stand, he is unavailable until the away game against West Ham on September 24 as he is serving a three-game ban, although Jurgen Klopp revealed after the match that the club could appeal the decision.
Mac Allister acknowledged the positives of his afternoon, admitting making his first appearance at Anfield in red was a “dream come true” and thanking his peers and fans.
The Argentine shared photos from the competition on his Instagram with the caption: “Yesterday I was able to fulfill my dream of playing as a Liverpool player at Anfield. It was wonderful.
“It wasn’t the match I expected, but we managed as a team and gave our best.
“My special thanks go to my teammates for their great commitment and to the fans for their constant support.”
Liverpool were reduced to 10 men when the world champions were shown a red card against the Cherries just before the hour mark.
Diogo Jota’s goal minutes later ensured the decision would cost the team nothing and allowed Mac Allister to take the fond memories of the occasion home with him.
The dismissal mirrors the dismissal of Darwin Nunez on his home debut against Crystal Palace 12 months ago. The striker’s evening was cut short after he struck Joachim Andersen at almost the same time in the match.
Mac Allister shone in his Chelsea debut on the opening day of the Reds’ 2023/24 season.
It was a disappointing end to his afternoon against Bournemouth, but Liverpool showed the resilience to get the three points in his absence.
The 24-year-old has expressed his gratitude to those who have done the work and hopes to pick up where he left off when he returns to the pitch.
