Liverpool are sweating over the fitness of Ibrahima Konate after the centre-back returned early from international duty.

Konate had been taken off after just 10 minutes of the second-half during the Reds’ defeat to Chelsea last weekend.

Despite being deemed fit enough to join the France squad, the 26-year-old has since been forced to withdraw from national team selection.

Konate flew back to Liverpool on Saturday, with Arne Slot left wondering whether the No. 5 would be ready to face Manchester United in a week’s time.

Should Konate be unfit to play, Slot will have only two natural options to pick at centre-back, making the Frenchman’s recovery an important topic.

And as they wait to determine just how injured he is, an early update has been issued from Liverpool on whether they think Konate will be ready.

Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

Konate’s issue comes at a time when he is badly struggling for form. As a result, some Liverpool fans may not be too upset at the thought of him missing next Sunday’s game.

But according to The Athletic, Liverpool are currently hoping that the France international will not have to sit out.

READ MORE: Danny Murphy says he’s figured out why Florian Wirtz isn’t playing well for...