Liverpool’s defensive resilience has taken another test this week as Konaté withdrew from international duty with France national football team due to a right quadriceps problem, prompting concern ahead of their high profile Premier League fixture.

Manager Arne Slot confirmed that the centre back had returned to Merseyside and resumed training, while also acknowledging the broader defensive shortage at the club. With young defender Giovanni Leoni sidelined for the season and other options limited, Konaté's involvement could prove crucial.

Although the injury did not yet force surgery, Slot admitted the timing of his substitution at Stamford Bridge where Konaté limped off before the hour mark had raised “alarm bells.”

Liverpool now find themselves navigating a defence in flux with few natural replacements and a deep fixture list pressing.

Despite the worries, the centre back’s return to training this week has come as a relief. Slot confirmed: “He’s come back to us, started his sessions again … expected to train with us today.”  That return leaves him a contender for Sunday’s Anfield clash though the manager stopped short of guaranteeing a start.

Liverpool’s urgency to stabilise their back line could make any minutes from Konaté vital. The club are not only chasing league silverware but also battling injury attrition at key defensive positions an area now under heightened scrutiny as the title challenge intensifies.