Jurgen Klopp has been given a boost at the perfect point to reignite Liverpool ’s stuttering Premier League season.
The Kop boss is infamous for his critique of the fixture schedule, often complaining about when his side are put in action. And few would disagree if he was to grumble right now, with the Reds set to play a mammoth 13 games in just six weeks before the mid-season break.
Liverpool will compete across three competitions, playing a game - on average - every three days. It’s a gruelling run which will test Klopp’s squad to the very limit as they look to claw themselves back into title contention and to secure a place in the Champions League last 16.
And so the sight of Ibrahima Konate reporting back for training was one greeted with jubilation from supporters. The France international hasn’t made an appearance this season after picking up an injury in pre-season.
But after a full week of training Konate could be back in the line-up for this Saturday’s clash with Brighton. It’s likely Klopp will be extra cautious with getting the former RB Leipzig star, but he will be desperately needed as the fixtures pile up.
His return should also help Liverpool address the defensive issues which have plagued their early-season inconsistencies. Konate established himself as Virgil van Dijk’s best partner towards the end of last season, with his extra pace allowing the entire team to play higher and squeeze the opposition.
Jamie Carragher had predicted Konate would ultimately win the battle with Joel Matip to be the first-choice central defender, despite the Cameroon international’s superb form. “He may just edge Matip, not that Matip has done anything wrong. I just think Konate is that young and he is that good that you have to just go and let him play. He’s getting a lot of games now, but he is fantastic,” he said last year.
Along with Konate, Calvin Ramsay is also nearing full fitness and could at last provide Klopp with an alternative to Trent Alexander-Arnold. The full-back’s non-inclusion with England has been one of the talking points of the international window and while he remains a definite starter for his club, the need to rotate will become pivotal.
Ramsay was signed with a view for the future, but there are high hopes for the teenager and a season sat on the bench will do little for his progression. The League Cup presents an opportunity for him to start and to show Klopp what he could offer should the worst-case scenario of Alexander-Arnold getting injured.
Joe Gomez is another option to step in on the right side of defence, whilst still leaving Liverpool three options to play centrally. It’s all a far cry from the injury crisis which derailed their season less than two years ago.
Nathaniel Phillips and Rhys Williams ended as the club’s starting central defenders, with the Reds only scraping a top-four spot on the final weekend. Ahead of a 42-day period which will dictate the direction of Liverpool’s entire season, their defensive ranks are significantly stronger and set to be boosted even further.
It may even be enough to put a smile on Jurgen Klopp’s face...just don’t ask him about the fixture schedule!
