Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate may not recover in time to face Aston Villa on Sunday.

Konate missed last weekend’s win over Newcastle United, having picked up a knock in the previous game. In his absence Virgil van Dijk got himself a red card and a suspension, leaving Liverpool with two fit senior centre-halves.

And according to the Liverpool ECHO, there is unlikely to be any change to that for this weekend’s game.

They claim that there was no sight of Konate during yesterday’s training session. As a result, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip are reportedly set to start against Villa.

Jurgen Klopp is said to have been hopeful that Konate would be available for the clash at Anfield. But having been out for longer than expected, the 24-year-old may now have to wait until after the international break for his next game.

Konate set to miss Villa clash

When it rains it truly does pour. Liverpool have found that out with issues in central defence and it looks like they’re about to do so again.

With Konate out and Van Dijk suspended, what odds would you get on Matip pulling a hamstring early doors against Villa?

Thankfully for Liverpool, there’s still a couple of days in which they can remedy this. The transfer window is still open.

Despite that, it does look very unlikely that the Reds are planning to do anything in regards to a new centre-back.

Some will say this is fine, Konate should only miss one more game and Van Dijk may as well. Once they’re both back, we’re more or less OK.

But the France international has had a rocky time with injuries since his £35m move two years ago. All it takes is one problem and we’re back to looking stretched.

The Villa game in itself is an issue – Unai Emery’s side look potent in attack. But beyond that, Liverpool need to be careful they’re not selling themselves short. Hopefully Ibou is back for Wolves next time out.