"He’s not in a knee brace now" - Journalist provides injury update on Liverpool star Ibrahima Konate

Journalist David Lynch has provided an update on the fitness of Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate as he continues to recover from a knee injury. The Frenchman has been out of action since November 27 when he suffered an injury while in action against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League.

During the closing stages of the 2-0 win over Real Madrid, Konate collided with teenage striker Endrick and came off worse, picking up a knee injury. He has missed each of his side's last three games with the injury and was projected to be out for over a month.

David Lynch revealed that the France international has now taken off his knee brace which he used to provide support in the early days of the injury, indicating a progression in his fitness.

The journalist pointed out that the defender may return to action by the end of December, rather than January which was previously expected. He said (via The Anfield Talk on X):

“He’s not in a knee brace now... It kind of tallies with what I said: that it’s not quite the 5-6 weeks that was touted. There’s real hope that he can be back before that. So, hopefully, the back end of December rather than January.”

The biggest beneficiary of Konate's injury has been versatile English defender Joe Gomez. The 27-year-old former Charlton Athletic man has started in each of the three games since Konate's injury, helping the side keep clean sheets against Manchester City and Girona.

Ibrahima Konate had been a key player for Arne Slot this season before his injury against Real Madrid. The 25-year-old has already made 18 appearances for Liverpool, who sit atop the league and UEFA Champions League standings.

Liverpool eyeing Chelsea star as potential replacement for Real Madrid target - Reports

Liverpool are reportedly eyeing a shock move for Chelsea right-back Malo Gusto as a replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is on the radar of Real Madrid. The Reds have offered a new contract to Alexander-Arnold but are preparing for a future without the Englishman.

Journalist Simon Phillips (via Caught Offside) has revealed that France international Gusto is the name being looked at by the Reds as their choice to replace Alexander-Arnold. The 21-year-old has been a regular at Chelsea since his arrival at the club in the summer of 2023 and has already made 14 appearances this season.

Liverpool have Conor Bradley on their books but the fitness record of the 21-year-old Northern Ireland international is a worry for the club. The Reds are willing to sign Gusto to provide competition for their academy graduate after his impressive displays for Chelsea.