Ibrahima Konate said he returned to Liverpool ahead of schedule after the death of his father to aid the Premier League champions through a defensive injury crisis. Victory lifts Slot's men up to fifth in the Premier League.

As the campaign gathers pace under Arne Slot, the injury latest surrounding Federico Chiesa and Alexander Isak has become central to how the Reds navigate the months ahead. Liverpool find themselves once again balancing optimism with pragmatism.

Liverpool’s defensive resources have been further depleted after youngster Wellity Lucky was ruled out for at least two months with a hamstring injury. The 20-year-old centre-back is a member of Liverpool’s under-21 squad but has frequently trained with the first team this season,

Liverpool have defensive concerns ahead of their game with Newcastle United.

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot delivers a largely pleasing update on the fitness front ahead of Saturday's Premier League showdown with Newcastle United.

The defender had been in France after the death of his father but played and scored his first league goal at Anfield on Saturday.

Liverpool XI vs Bournemouth: Starting lineup, confirmed team news, injury latest for Premier League Mohamed Salah makes his first Premier League start in two months when Liverpool play Bournemouth at the Vitality.

Liverpool may be struggling in the Premier League but they're a very different side in the Champions League, as they underlined on Wednesday by storming straight into the last 16 of the competition by hammering Qarabag 6-0 at Anfield.