Agbonlahor issues ‘massive’ Ibrahima Konate claim after Liverpool training ground reveal
Ibrahima Konate’s potential return from injury will be a “massive” boost for Liverpool, according to Gabby Agbonlahor.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Aston Villa and England attacker claimed Konate’s return will also be a major help for Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The 23-year-old has not made a matchday squad this season after picking up a knee injury in Liverpool’s final pre-season friendly.
As quoted by the Mirror at the beginning of this month (2 September), Jurgen Klopp revealed the centre-back is expected to return to training during the international break.
He could be fit enough to feature against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday (1 October).
It is a timely boost for the Reds who have only kept two clean sheets across all competitions.
Asked whether Konate’s return will have an impact, Agbonlahor told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley: “100 per cent.
“I do like [Joel] Matip but I just think Konate is such a strong, quick, aggressive defender who can also play.
“He will help Trent on that side as well, help cover him. You saw that in games last season when Konate played.
“He’s a big presence and a threat from set pieces as well.
“He’s a massive player to get back in that defence. There is no striker out there who wants to play against Konate.”
Konate moved to Anfield from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2021 for an £36million fee.
The France international played 29 games across all competitions last term as Liverpool won the FA Cup and EFL Cup.
In other news, a finance guru has claimed Liverpool are “digging in their heels” as a £250million deal is “leaked”.