Ibrahima Konate a doubt for Newcastle game with muscle injury

Ibrahima Konate has an injury and is a doubt for Liverpool trip to Newcastle on Sunday.

The French defender has started both of Liverpool's opening two Premier League games as the Reds remain unbeaten, but could miss out on the visit to St. James' Park after Jurgen Klopp confirmed that he has picked up a 'muscle injury'.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference on Friday, the Liverpool boss revealed Konate's issue, but confirmed that Trent Alexander-Arnold is fit despite taking a knock last weekend in the win over Bournemouth.

Meanwhile, Curtis Jones and Thiago Alcantara (the latter has yet to feature in the 2023/24 season) will be return to full training on Monday.

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While the severity of Konate's injury is unclear, the centre back has been dogged by fitness issues since joining the Reds in 2021 – never making more than 18 Premier League appearances in a season.

It seems likely that one of Joel Matip or Joe Gomez will deputise for Konate if he is unable to play this weekend, but there are worries over the defensive depth as the transfer window nears its close next week.

Liverpool are reportedly in the market for another versatile defender, but there has been little to no credible reporting about advanced talks.

Asked about the Reds transfer search at the back, Klopp replied (via the Liverpool Echo): "We have in an ideal world eight centre-halves and I have no doubt about the quality of the boys. [Jarell] Quansah a super talented player.

"At this moment we are covered but it's not where you can be prepared for every situation. We will do our absolute best."