Positive update as Ibrahima Konate returns earlier than expected – LFC journalist

Ibrahima Konate could return to action before the end of the month, with his recovery progressing faster than initially expected.

Konate has been sidelined since injuring his knee during Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Real Madrid on November 27, missing the team’s last three matches.

Although it was reported that the injury wasn’t severe, Arne Slot had expressed doubts about Konate’s return before the year ends, along with Conor Bradley and Kostas Tsimikas.

However, there is now optimism that Konate could be back before December finishes, which would be a significant boost for Liverpool.

David Lynch, a journalist covering Liverpool, shared an encouraging update after the 25-year-old returned to the gym without assistance. “He’s not in a knee brace now, so that’s encouraging,” Lynch told Anfield Agenda. “It kind of tallies with what I said, that it’s not quite that five-to-six weeks that was touted. There’s a real hope that he can be back before that. So hopefully back end of December we’ll see him, rather than into January, and what a boost that will be to get him straight back as well.”

Liverpool has five more matches before the end of the month, starting with a home game against Fulham on Saturday. After that, they’ll face Southampton in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday, followed by an away match against Tottenham next Sunday. It is likely that Konate will miss all three of these matches.

However, Lynch’s update suggests that the France international could be available during the period between Christmas and New Year, with Liverpool playing Leicester at home on December 26 and West Ham away on December 29.

During Konate’s absence, Slot has preferred Joe Gomez as Virgil van Dijk’s partner, and there is no indication this will change until Konate returns. Despite a mixed performance against Newcastle, Gomez has shown positive signs, meaning there’s less urgency for Konate to come back immediately.

Still, having Konate back before the year’s end would be a major advantage as Liverpool seeks to maintain its excellent form heading into 2025.

More news……

Exclusive news: Arsenal and Liverpool tracking Brazilian winger for possible transfer

Arsenal and Liverpool are reportedly keeping an eye on highly-rated Brazilian winger Gabriel Pec of LA Galaxy, according to sources who spoke with CaughtOffside.

Both clubs, along with several other Premier League teams, have had scouts monitoring Pec, who is emerging as an exciting young prospect.

The 23-year-old has caught attention with his performances in the MLS, leading to interest from Arsenal, Liverpool, Newcastle, Crystal Palace, Fulham, Wolves, Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan, and Napoli.

While Pec is being considered as a potential future target for top clubs like Arsenal and Liverpool, it is still uncertain whether they will make a move for him in the near future.

Nevertheless, it is clear that the South American talent is one to watch, and if he continues to impress with his form in the US, top clubs are likely to show interest in signing him.

Could Gabriel Pec be a surprise solution for Arsenal and Liverpool?

Pec could eventually offer something different for Arsenal’s attack, especially with Mikel Arteta facing a shortage of options in that area.

The Gunners often rely heavily on Bukayo Saka to create opportunities up front, but Pec could provide an alternative or even an upgrade on inconsistent players like Gabriel Martinelli. Moreover, loan signing Raheem Sterling is unlikely to remain at the Emirates Stadium beyond this season.

Liverpool, too, might want to explore new attacking options as Mohamed Salah’s contract nears its end, and Diogo Jota has struggled with injuries.

Although the Reds would need a truly exceptional player to replace someone of Salah’s caliber, Pec has the potential to become a key player for a club of Liverpool’s stature in the future.