Liverpool take on Newcastle United at Anfield on Saturday night
18:46, 31 Jan 2026Updated 18:59, 31 Jan 2026
Ibrahima Konate is back in the Liverpool team(Image: Getty Images)
Ibrahima Konate has returned to the Liverpool starting line-up for the Premier League clash against Newcastle United this evening at Anfield. Konate was absent from the last three games having been allowed compassionate leave, with his father having died late last week.
The France international steps back into the centre-back position alongside skipper Virgil van Dijk as one of two changes made by Arne Slot from the side that thrashed Qarabag 6-0 in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Milos Kerkez comes in at left-back for Andy Robertson, while the absence of Jeremie Frimpong, Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez has once again seen Dominik Szoboszlai pressed into a right-back role.
READ MORE: Arne Slot seeks to clarify Europa League comment as Liverpool boss explains point – ‘What I meant’READ MORE: Arne Slot makes summer spending vow as Liverpool boss admits frustration – ‘People don’t notice’
Ryan Gravenberch, an emergency centre-back in midweek, returns to central midfield alongside Alexis Mac Allister while Florian Wirtz remains as the number 10.
And there is no change in that attack with Hugo Ekitike leading the line, Cody Gakpo on the left and Mohamed Salah on the right.
Curtis Jones, who was the subject of transfer interest from Inter this week, is back on the bench having sat out the game against Qarabag through injury.
LIVERPOOL (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Szoboszlai, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike. Subs: Mamardashvili, Endo, Chiesa, Jones, Robertson, Nyoni, Ramsay, Ngumoha, Nallo.
NEWCASTLE (4-3-3): Pope; Trippier, Thiaw, Burn, Hall; Tonali, Willock, Ramsey; Elanga, Gordon, Barnes. Subs: Ramsdale, Botman, Wissa, Osula, J Murphy, Woltemade, A Murphy, Shahar, Miley.