Ibrahima Konate was not part of Liverpool’s session at the AXA Training Centre on Tuesday, with the centre-back’s absence likely a precaution ahead of the Wolves clash.
Konate arrived at Liverpool’s training ground on Tuesday morning like the rest of Arne Slot‘s squad, but did not join his teammates for work in the gym or on the outdoor pitch.
Instead, the Frenchman was greeted by director of medicine and performance Jonathan Power, which suggests medical intervention when it comes to his workload.
Konate misses Liverpool training: A quick look
LONDON, ENGLAND - Sunday, August 10, 2025: Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konaté (L) and club Doctor Jonathan Power during the FA Community Shield match between Crystal Palace FC and Liverpool FC at Wembley Stadium. Palace won 3-1 on penalties after a 2-2 draw. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
• Konate mystery: Ibrahima Konate was the headline absentee from Tuesday’s session. Despite arriving at the AXA, he did not train outdoors or in the gym after meeting with medical chief Jonathan Power.
• Precautious approach? While his absence may be workload management, Konate is now a potential doubt for the Wolves clash on December 27.
• Defensive headache: A Konate absence would leave Virgil van Dijk and 19-year-old Wellity Lucky as the only specialist centre-backs available to Arne Slot.
It remains to be seen whether Konate is considered a doubt for the visit of Wolves on December 27, though there is still ample time until that 3pm kickoff at Anfield.
Who could start at centre-back if Ibrahima Konate is out?
LONDON, ENGLAND - Saturday, December 20, 2025: Liverpool's substitute Wellity Lucky during the pre-match warm-up before the FA Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and Liverpool FC at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
However if he is unavailable it would leave Slot with only two specialist centre-backs: captain Virgil van Dijk and 19-year-old Wellity Lucky, with Andy Robertson considered emergency cover.
Van Dijk and Lucky were among 20 players who trained outside on Tuesday, including small-sided games in one of Liverpool’s final sessions before Christmas.
Neither Conor Bradley or Cody Gakpo took part, with the pair set for fitness tests late in the week to determine their involvement against Wolves.
Dominik Szoboszlai‘s work was limited to the gym, which is no surprise given the midfielder is suspended for the weekend, while both Joe Gomez and Stefan Bajcetic continued their rehabilitation alongside the squad indoors.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, November 22, 2025: Liverpool substitute Calvin Ramsay on the bench before the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Nottingham Forest FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Slot called four players up from the academy, with Lucky joined by right-back Calvin Ramsay, midfielder Tommy Pilling and versatile forward Kieran Morrison.
Lucky and Ramsay were both on the bench for the 2-1 win over Tottenham last weekend but there could be more of a youth presence among Liverpool’s substitutes if either of Bradley or Gakpo are ruled out.
Mohamed Salah was obviously absent as he represents Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations, while Alexander Isak has joined the list of long-term injuries along with Giovanni Leoni and Wataru Endo.
Jayden Danns is yet to be reintegrated within the first team despite his imminent return from a hamstring issue, suggesting the striker could be eased back into action with the U21s.
Liverpool training squad: Who was spotted?
Goalkeepers:
Alisson, Mamardashvili, Woodman, Pecsi
Defenders:
Van Dijk, Lucky, Robertson, Kerkez, Frimpong, Ramsay
Midfielders:
Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Jones, Nyoni, Pilling
Forwards:
Wirtz, Ekitike, Chiesa, Ngumoha, Morrison
Notable Absentees:
Konate, Gomez (gym), Leoni, Bradley, Bajcetic (gym), Endo, Szoboszlai (gym), Salah, Isak, Gakpo, Danns