Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate has confirmed that he will be sidelined for a period due to an injury sustained during the Champions League victory over Real Madrid on Wednesday. Konate played a crucial role in helping the Reds secure a 1-0 win, keeping a clean sheet against the attacking threats of Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham. However, concerns arose when it was revealed that both Konate and Conor Bradley were being assessed for potential injuries ahead of Liverpool’s highly anticipated Premier League clash with Manchester City on Sunday.
Konate had been a key figure for Liverpool, starting in 11 of the team’s 12 Premier League matches this season, only missing out on the opening weekend victory over Ipswich Town due to injury. His absence now leaves a gap in the defense, which will require attention from manager Arne Slot. The French defender suffered the injury following a late collision with Real Madrid’s Endrick, after which he was helped off the pitch. Konate took to Instagram to share his frustration, saying, “So frustrating to pick up this injury right at the end of a great game on Wednesday night. Now we start the recovery process but one thing I promise is I will come back and be the best I can be once again. Thank you for the amazing support at Anfield. Inshallah we will keep going and I will support the team every step of the way.”
With Konate now in rehabilitation, Liverpool’s manager faces a dilemma regarding his starting lineup for the match against Manchester City. Joe Gomez, who replaced Bradley late in the win over Madrid, is a potential candidate to fill in at center-back, while Jarell Quansah also offers a possible option. In addition to Konate’s injury, Liverpool has other injury concerns, with goalkeeper Alisson still sidelined and Federico Chiesa, Diogo Jota, and Kostas Tsimikas also expected to miss the upcoming match against the reigning Premier League champions. Despite these setbacks, Liverpool will be looking to extend their lead at the top of the table with a victory at Anfield.
