Jurgen Klopp on Ibrahima Konate’s West Ham Absence

Jurgen Klopp had been “rather positive” about Ibrahima Konate’s chances of featuring in the match against West Ham, but the centre-back failed to make the trip due to injury. This is the fourth separate occasion this season that Konate has missed games due to injury, amounting to 19 games. Joel Matip takes his place for only his second start in 10 games, the only change to the XI. Thiago and Darwin Nunez also start from the bench despite Klopp having hinted at changes due to Liverpool’s upcoming schedule. Nunez has not started the last three while Thiago has not graced the XI since early February after a hip injury ruled him out for 10 games. Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo continue to lead the line for the fourth game in a row, having combined for eight goals and two assists in that time. Fabinho is also selected despite the risk of a two-game suspension should he be shown a yellow card at the London Stadium. Klopp acknowledged there will be a need to make changes in the coming weeks but emphasised that if it is possible to “keep similar lineups” it “makes sense” to do so.