Liverpool receive major injury boost but four ruled out ahead of Aston Villa clash

Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate has trained normally on Monday ahead of the Reds' Champions League clash with Bayer Leverkusen this week - and then the welcoming of Aston Villa to Anfield on Sunday.

Centre half Konate, a regular alongside Virgil Van Dijk at the heart of Arne Slot's title challenging defence, was forced off in their 2-1 win over Brighton on Saturday after Van Dijk accidentally trod on his arm after he'd fallen awkwardly. It appeared as though he'd be a doubt for these remaining games before the international break after looking to be in some discomfort.

The Frenchman, though, has been seen training as normal on Monday having allayed fears via social media over the weekend that the injury was anything more sinister than some pain at the time of the impact. He is, then, expected to be available to Slot and Liverpool for their Merseyside double header against Leverkusen and Villa.

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"Thanks for all the messages of support. My injury isn’t serious thankfully," Konate began on Instagram. "I had a scan today and it confirmed there is no break. I’ll be ready for the next game."

Villa will, however, face a Liverpool team without four key first-team players when they make for Anfield after their own midweek Champions League commitments, which include a trip to Belgium to take on Club Brugge; the Reds will still be without hitman Diogo Jota, first choice goalkeeper Alisson, midfielder Harvey Elliott and summer signing Federico Chiesa.

How will Villa fare against Brugge and Liverpool? Predict HERE

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