THE ATHLETIC
Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate is set for a spell on the sidelines after picking up an injury.
The France international appeared to hurt his knee in the closing stages of the 2-0 victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League.
The 25-year-old limped off the pitch after full time following a coming together involving team-mate Virgil van Dijk and Madrid striker Endrick.
Head coach Arne Slot told reporters at his pre-match press conference on Thursday that Konate was still being assessed, but the player took to Instagram a day later to address his situation.
“So frustrating to pick up this injury right at the end of a great game on Wednesday,” he wrote. “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.”
🚨 BREAKING: Arsenal’s title challengers, Liverpool, are set to be WITHOUT Ibrahima Konate for 5-6 weeks through injury. 😬🏥
[@DaveOCKOP] pic.twitter.com/knGCXkvlmq
— DailyAFC (@DailyAFC) November 29, 2024
Konate had been in impressive form as part of a Liverpool backline which boasts the best defensive record in the Premier League, conceding only eight goals in 12 matches.
It is a significant blow for Slot who will now decide whether Joe Gomez or Jarell Quansah lines up alongside Van Dijk for the visit of Manchester City on Sunday.
That game kicks off a run of seven Premier League matches before the new year. They also face Girona in the Champions League and have an EFL Cup quarter-final with Southampton in December.
Konate’s absence is a significant blow. He has been in the form of his Liverpool career and his partnership with Van Dijk has been so important to Liverpool winning 16 of their opening 18 matches in all competitions, and topping both the Premier League and Champions League tables.
