Jurgen Klopp reveals Ibrahima Konate will only return ‘after the international break’

Ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Newcastle, Jurgen Klopp has given an update on Ibrahima Konate’s injury – and it’s not exactly good news.

After Klopp said in his pre-match press conference that Konate was ‘doubtful’ due to his injury, the Frenchman didn’t make the matchday squad.

Explaining the situation, Klopp told the Premier League International Wire: “He will be back after the international break. Not too serious, but serious enough.

“Maybe a chance for [Aston] Villa but I expect him to come back after the international break.”

That means we’ll probably see him next time in the red shirt against Wolves on September 16. Theoretically, it also excludes him from being called up to the national team, which will help his recovery

For the match against Newcastle, Joel Matip replaces the Frenchman who will team up with Virgil van Dijk for the first time this season, and Andy Robertson will form the back three as Liverpool have the ball.

Matip has filled this role before, but he seemed quite uncomfortable covering the large spaces that were required of him.

Wataru Endo will start his first game in midfield for Liverpool and Klopp told Sky Sports: “For everything we’ve done in training, Wataru looks really fit, so it was clear he would be starting today.”

Klopp added: “Diogo [Jota] was unable to train yesterday. From a tactical point of view we had a very important session. He had a bit of a cold or something, like some players have had this week, which meant he couldn’t train.’

Klopp added: “Diogo [Jota] was unable to train yesterday. From a tactical point of view we had a very important session. He had a bit of a cold or something, like some players have had this week, which meant he couldn’t train.’

Jarell Quansah benched against Newcastle and Klopp have said he is another option in defence, as has Joe Gomez.

More news……

Liverpool more likely to sign £38million player than Tottenham, he wants to join them – reporter

Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie will join Liverpool ahead of Tottenham Hotspur.

Hincapie has been linked with a move to Anfield as the Reds look for a promising left centre-back.

And according to journalist Ben Jacobs it is a move that would please the player very much. However, on the Last Word On Spurs podcast, Jacobs said that while Liverpool may be the most likely destination for Hincapie, they are still not entirely convinced of him.

“The last name I would put on the centre-back, even though I think he’s potentially more Liverpool and maybe still West Ham, is still [Piero] Hincapie,” explained the journalist. “He is a left-wing central defender, with very high potential and good experience, and Tottenham have certainly gathered numbers and data on him. I don’t think they have selected him at the moment but he could be a name to watch if he wants to move up to the Premier League in the coming weeks.

“I don’t think it’s fair at this stage to say Spurs are in the running, but bear in mind the point I made earlier about what happens if you miss a goal. Who do you turn to in the last few hours of the window and that’s where you could get some surprises.

“But I’ve been told that if he becomes a Premier League club the player would love Liverpool, but he’s not quite sold yet and West Ham, who have been missing Harry Maguire, are still a club to watch.”

Liverpool linked up with Hincapie

At his most basic form, Hincapie fulfills what Liverpool are presumably looking for in a new defensive signing. Youngster with great potential, already playing in one of Europe’s top leagues and – crucially – left-handed.

It would also seem that his signing would not cost much. Last week, Ecuadorian newspaper Teradeportes reported that Leverkusen would demand around £38million to sell the Ecuadorian. It’s well within reach for Liverpool.

Still, we know the Reds don’t usually attack a player unless they fully believe in him. Also at a relatively cheap price.

To that end, they’re supposed to be keeping tabs on Hincapie, presumably to gauge his true level.

If they think the 21-year-old is worth a try, we might see some movement next week. From what I hear, Hincapie would be more than happy to join us.

But it’s also worth mentioning that the centre-back has the same agent as Moises Caicedo. Not a man or organization that Liverpool have enjoyed success with of late. You might want to stay away. One thing to keep in mind though.