Ibrahima Konate injury latest as Jurgen Klopp confirms three players close to Liverpool return

Ibrahima Konate is losing his battle to be fit for Liverpool's FA Cup quarter-final trip to Manchester United on Sunday - but Bobby Clark has avoided becoming the latest Reds player to suffer serious injury.

Konate has yet to resume full training after picking up a hamstring problem during the Europa League round of 16 first leg at Sparta Prague last Thursday.

Despite the injury, the centre-back has been called up for France's international friendlies against Germany and Chile later this month.

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But Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp painted a gloomy picture when asked on Friday to assess Konate's chances of being available for the Old Trafford clash against bitter North West rivals United.

"Ibou didn't train today," said Klopp. "We have to see if he can train tomorrow but it will be a tight, tight race which we probably lose, but we don't know."

Clark was forced off towards the end of Thursday's 6-1 return leg against Sparta having scored his first senior goal. But Klopp issued a more encouraging bulletin on the youngster while confirming Ryan Gravenberch is taking a step nearer a return after almost three weeks out.

"Bobby felt much better," said the Liverpool boss. "It was uncomfortable, he got a knock there, a little swelling and that swelling led to the feeling it could be something more serious. But it's not, he's fine.

"Ryan trained today again so is ready as well. And some of the others (will be back) after the international break."

After Sunday, Liverpool are not in action for a fortnight when they entertain Brighton in the Premier League, with Klopp confident of