Ibrahima Konate's return boosts Liverpool

Virgil van Dijk is suspended following the imposition of an extra game ban after his red card at Newcastle last month and right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold's recovery from a hamstring problem is unlikely to see him ready to return.

The expected absence of the England right-back, who was pictured with the main group on Thursday but not in full training with them, means Joe Gomez will be asked to fill in on that side of defence.

That would have left Joel Matip as the only available senior centre-back with 20-year-old Jarell Quansah on standby to make his first Premier League start after two substitute appearances this season.

However, Konate's involvement in full training with his team-mates offers manager Jurgen Klopp hope the 24-year-old, who has been sidelined for almost a month, could some straight back in.

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