Liverpool receive Ekitike and Konate injury boost for Manchester City clash
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has confirmed that Hugo Ekitike and Ibrahima Konate are fully fit ahead of crucial upcoming fixtures against Manchester City and Paris St-Germain.
The Reds face a season-defining double-header following the conclusion of the international break.
They take on Pep Guardiola’s side in the FA Cup quarter-finals on 4 April, before travelling to France for a Champions League first-leg tie four days later.
Ekitike overcomes dead leg
There were major concerns when Ekitike limped off in tears after just nine minutes of a 2-1 defeat by Brighton last weekend.
However, the Dutch coach moved quickly to allay fears of a lengthy lay-off for the French forward.
“A dead leg, as you call it here I think,” Slot explained during his post-match press conference.
“Hugo, I think he could play tomorrow if he needed to.”
The attacker subsequently joined the France squad, scoring against Brazil before making a substitute appearance against Colombia.
Emerging unscathed from international duty, the former Parisian is now primed to face his old employers in Europe.
Konate returns to full fitness
In a further boost for the Merseyside club, Konate has also completely recovered from a recent hamstring issue.
The central defender missed a 1-1 home draw against Tottenham Hotspur due to muscular discomfort.
He was initially declared fit ahead of a 4-0 Champions League victory over Galatasaray.
“If you play so many games with only two days of rest in between you cannot do a lot, but he is declared completely fit,” Slot confirmed.
“He doesn’t feel the discomfort anymore.”
The powerful centre-back played a full 90 minutes for France against Brazil during the international break.
He was then granted a complete rest during a 3-1 victory over Colombia in the United States, ensuring he returns to Anfield fully refreshed.
