Liverpool set for major boost ahead of Newcastle United clash
Liverpool supporters could soon see a familiar figure back at the heart of their defence as Ibrahima Konate prepares to return from compassionate leave ahead of the weekend meeting with Newcastle United. The French centre back has spent the past week in France following the loss of his father, Hamady, a deeply personal blow that understandably kept him away from the last three Liverpool fixtures.
Those absences came during a testing spell. Konate missed the 3-0 win over Marseille, the defeat to Bournemouth and the midweek Champions League rout of Qarabag, when Arne Slot had to improvise heavily. With Virgil van Dijk left as the only senior central defender available, Ryan Gravenberch was drafted into the back line and Wataru Endo was hurried on after four minutes when Jeremie Frimpong pulled up with a hamstring problem. It was an uncomfortable evening for a Liverpool defence that normally thrives on stability.
Slot addressed the situation with empathy rather than urgency. “Of course I spoke to him,” the Liverpool manager explained before that 6-0 win. “If you ask why he is not here, we both understand that he is facing a very tough time. I am hoping to get him back, but also not for tomorrow evening’s match.” In a season where Slot has guided Liverpool to the Premier League title in 2024 25, his handling of Konate’s absence has underlined a broader commitment to player welfare.
Compassionate leave update from Anfield
Liverpool have rightly avoided putting any pressure on Konate by offering a public timetable for his return. Grief does not work to a fixture list and the club’s priority has been the defender’s wellbeing rather than the points at stake. Still, with Newcastle United visiting Anfield, supporters have been eager for clarity.
That clarity has now arrived via the Athletic. James Pearce reports that Konate should be back in time for Saturday’s match, with further positive news on the injury front. “Ibrahima Konate should be back from compassionate leave in time for Saturday, while Gomez has an outside chance of being fit and Curtis Jones is likely to have recovered from illness.” For a Liverpool side that values depth in every department, the prospect of Konate returning alongside Joe Gomez offers a timely lift.
Newcastle United challenge looms
Newcastle United are not an opponent you face lightly, particularly away from home, and Liverpool’s recent defensive reshuffles would have been exactly the sort of vulnerability Eddie Howe would look to exploit. Konate’s presence changes that equation. His pace, physicality and calm distribution give Liverpool a balance that allows Van Dijk to play his natural game rather than firefight.
With Slot’s side already well placed domestically, a solid performance against Newcastle United would reinforce their authority in the Premier League run in. It would also ease concerns about a back line that has been stretched thin by injuries and unforeseen circumstances.
Champions League momentum for Liverpool
Away from domestic matters, Liverpool’s 6-0 victory over Qarabag secured third place in the Champions League league phase and automatic qualification for the Round of 16. That puts the Reds in a strong position as they await one of Juventus, Atletico Madrid, Club Brugge or Galatasaray in the next round.
Those clubs must negotiate the knockout play offs first, with the draw scheduled for Friday January 30 in Nyon. Liverpool will be seeded and host the second leg at Anfield in March, a significant advantage for a side that thrives under the lights on European nights.
For now, though, attention turns back to Ibrahima Konate and Newcastle United. His return would not simply plug a gap, it would restore a sense of order to a Liverpool defence that has coped admirably under pressure, but will be glad to welcome one of its pillars back.
