Liverpool have been dealt a new injury worry ahead of next weekend’s Premier League clash with Manchester United.
Alisson Becker and Giovanni Leoni are already ruled out — Alisson with a hamstring issue and Leoni sidelined long-term after an ACL tear last month.
Ibrahima Konate also faces uncertainty after being taken off in last weekend’s defeat to Chelsea due to quad discomfort. While on international duty, the France national team confirmed today that the defender has been released from the squad and replaced by Benjamin Pavard.
A statement explained that the 26-year-old had been following a tailored recovery plan since arriving at Clairefontaine on Monday but will not feature in Monday’s game against Iceland. Konate withdrew from Didier Deschamps’ squad after consulting with the coach and medical staff, having been an unused substitute in the 3–0 win over Azerbaijan.
It remains unclear if he has aggravated his quad injury, but the news is a concern for Arne Slot ahead of the United game. His fitness will be assessed at the AXA Training Centre in the coming days. Should he miss out, only Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez would be available as senior centre-backs.
Fortunately, France acted cautiously by sending him back to Merseyside rather than risking further damage. Though Konate’s recent performances have drawn criticism, Liverpool’s limited defensive options make his possible absence a significant setback.
The hope is that his withdrawal is merely precautionary and that he recovers in time for the showdown with Manches
ter United.
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