Liverpool handed major injury boost as key player returns to training ahead of UCL clash against Bayer Leverkusen: Reports

According to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano on X (formerly Twitter), Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate is back to training and is expected to play against Bayer Leverkusen. The Reds are slated to face the Bundesliga outfit at Anfield in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, November 5.

Konate suffered an arm injury in Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday (November 2). Goals from Cody Gakpo and Mohammed Salah ensured a second-half comeback for the Merseyside side after going a goal down in the first half.

Arne Slot was also forced into making a change in defense at the break as Konate was substituted for Joe Gomez. The Frenchman left the pitch in a makeshift sling after Virgil van Dijk accidentally stepped on his arm while the side defended a corner.

After the clash, the 25-year-old updated his fans on Instagram that he had avoided any serious injuries, saying:

“Thanks for all the messages of support. My injury isn’t serious thankfully. I had a scan today and it confirmed there is no break. I’ll be ready for the next game.”

Now, as per Fabrizio, Konate has returned to training and could be in contention to face Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday. He also mentioned that the Reds are working on a new deal for the Frenchman whose contract is set to expire in June 2026.

Konate joined Liverpool in 2021 from RB Leipzig and established himself as a regular in former manager Jurgen Klopp’s setup. He has also been an integral member of Slot’s team this term, contributing two goals and an assist in 14 games across competitions.

Overall, he has registered five goals and three assists in 104 appearances for the Reds to date.

Liverpool to be without four key players for Bayer Leverkusen clash

Whilst Ibrahima Konate could be named in the side to face the German champions on Tuesday, Liverpool will be without Federico Chiesa, Diogo Jota, Harvey Elliot, and goalkeeper Alisson Becker.

The four players did not train with the team on Monday and are expected to be out until after the upcoming international break.

After playing host to Leverkusen on Tuesday, the Reds will also welcome Aston Villa to Anfield on Saturday, November 9. Arne Slot’s side are second in the league phase of the Champions League with three wins from three games while they top the league table.