Liverpool have been handed a major double injury boost ahead of their Premier League clash with Manchester United at Anfield, as both Ibrahima Konate and Ryan Gravenberch have been declared fit to return. However, first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker will remain out with a hamstring problem.
Head coach Arne Slot confirmed on Friday that Konate had rejoined full training and Gravenberch was “completely fit”, easing fears over the pair’s availability for one of the most high-profile fixtures of the season. The Reds, currently seeking to halt a three-game losing streak in all competitions, will hope the news injects fresh energy into a side short on defensive depth.
According to club media, Alisson continues his recovery from the hamstring injury sustained in the Champions League defeat to Galatasaray last month and is expected to miss at least another fortnight. That rules him out of the trip to Eintracht Frankfurt on 24 October and the Premier League visit to Brentford three days later.
Can Liverpool steady themselves without their world-class keeper, or will United exploit the gap between the posts?
Konate and Gravenberch return in time for United clash
Fears surrounding Ibrahima Konate’s fitness first arose when he was forced off early in the second half during the defeat to Chelsea before the international break. Although he initially joined up with France, he later withdrew to undergo treatment back on Merseyside.
Ryan Gravenberch, meanwhile, impressed in midfield against Chelsea — even filling in at centre-back during the closing stages — but was withdrawn at half-time in the Netherlands’ win over Finland as a precaution for a hamstring niggle.
Slot’s confirmation that both are available offers a timely lift for a Liverpool side already without summer signing Giovanni Leoni, who is sidelined for the season after knee surgery.
“Ryan is completely fit. Konate has come back to us and is expected to train today. Alisson – he is not training, he is out.” — Arne Slot
Alisson Becker injury timeline and implications
Alisson’s absence continues to loom large. The Brazilian suffered his hamstring setback during last month’s European fixture and was initially projected to miss up to six weeks. With three crucial games ahead, Slot confirmed the 32-year-old remains in the final stages of rehabilitation but not yet ready to train.
In his place, summer signing Giorgi Mamardashvili is set to retain the gloves. The Georgian international made his Premier League debut at Stamford Bridge and, despite conceding twice, impressed with his shot-stopping and command of the area.
Analyst Verdict — by John William, FootballPlace
In my view, Slot’s injury update transforms the tactical picture for Sunday. With Konate back, Liverpool can restore their preferred pairing at centre-back, bringing balance to the build-up phase and allowing Trent Alexander-Arnold to invert confidently. Gravenberch’s return also reintroduces drive between the lines — something they’ve lacked in recent weeks.
We believe Alisson’s absence still leaves Liverpool exposed, especially given Mamardashvili’s limited Premier League experience. Yet the overall defensive structure should stabilise, and if the front line finds rhythm, they remain favourites at Anfield.
Key Insights
- Liverpool regain both Konate and Gravenberch for the Manchester United clash.
- Alisson Becker remains out with a hamstring injury; Mamardashvili continues in goal.
- Giovanni Leoni ruled out long-term, reducing defensive options.
- Slot’s side have lost three on the bounce in all competitions.
- Anfield crowd expected to play a crucial role as Liverpool look to respond.
What’s Next
Liverpool host Manchester United at Anfield on 19 October 2025 before travelling to Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League four days later. Slot will hope to build momentum ahead of a congested late-October schedule.
Alisson is expected to step up rehabilitation next week, but the club will continue to monitor his progress cautiously. With Brentford and Brighton looming before the next international window, the Reds’ medical staff won’t take risks with their No.1.
👉 Will Konate’s return be enough to steady Liverpool’s defence against their biggest rivals?
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