Konate available for Liverpool vs Leicester but six remain out through injury

Konate has not been involved much with the Reds so far this season, making only two Premier League appearances due to injury, but he was a big part of the France squad which reached the World Cup final.

The centre-back made five appearances in Qatar, including coming on late in the final as France went on to lose on penalties to Argentina.

The 23-year-old has not returned to training and will be available to play against the Foxes, but Liverpool’s injury woes continue.

Roberto Firmino, Curtis Jones and James Milner are all close to a return, but still a few days away, while Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz and Arthur are not back any time soon.

‘The good thing now with the break we had, it feels really fresh again,’ Klopp told a press conference on Thursday. ‘We are really excited and full of desire to go again and go again and go again and that’s what we have to show on the pitch now obviously.

‘It’s all good for the moment, no new injury problems after the game [against Aston Villa]. Not that a lot would come back for the game, apart from Ibou [Konate] who is now training with us, he will be available now as well.

‘Positive for this moment, but we know it will be a tough game.’

Reds fans will not see their new signing Cody Gakpo on Friday either, with the Dutchman not likely to make it onto the field until 7 January against Wolves.

‘We are obviously very early which is good. There might be a chance for Brentford but I think not really to be honest,’ said Klopp.

‘January 1st is a Bank Holiday and there are some papers we have to sign for some other people and it needs to be done not a second later than lunchtime. I’m not too positive that will happen.

‘We will not rush it so probably Wolves.’

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