Klopp could hand surprise start to £30M forgotten man as another Liverpool injury is confirmed

An injury to Ibrahima Konate could open the door for Liverpool's forgotten man to return to the starting line-up at the start of the season.

Konate was pulled off after 57 minutes against Strasbourg as a precaution but doesn't look set to be ready to start the opening game of the season.

It could stretch into a week or two on the bench which could give Joe Gomez a golden chance to break back into the side.

Gomez recently signed a new long-term deal at the club with the hope of breaking back into the Liverpool side - could this be an opportunity?

The Englishman was heavily linked with a £30M move to Aston Villa this year but he has ended all speculation by re-committing himself to the Reds.

Konate injury latest

It seems that Konate's situation isn't too serious and he could still make the bench at the weekend for the opening game against Fulham.

Jurgen Klopp addressed the situation but was unsure himself on the situation: "We don't know exactly yet on Ibou, but it doesn't look too concerning, so I hope we caught it at the right moment."

He had featured in the final pre-season friendly of the season against Strasbourg but was brought off after 57 minutes as a precaution.

The problem hasn't been specified but fans will always hold their breath with Konate given his injury record over his short career so far.

Could Gomez break back in?

Gomez had been linked with a move away before the signing of his new deal, but now there's an opportunity to come into the side.

Joel Matip started against Manchester City in the Community Shield final and it'll be hard to displace such a consistent performer in the Liverpool side.

However, given Liverpool's relatively easier start to the season (compared to others), he could be afforded a start in the opening games.

At 25, and given he only started four games in the league last year, he'll be hoping for an opportunity to prove he can return to the high levels he showed in the first half of the title-winning season in 2019/20.