Liverpool suffer major injury blow before Man Utd clash

Liverpool have been handed a massive injury setback ahead of their historic and important Premier League clash against Manchester United. Ibrahima Konate has been sent back to England from the France national team camp after only making it to the bench for the fixture against Azerbaijan.

Les Blues had called up Konate for the International break despite the niggle the central defender had picked up in the 2-1 defeat at the hands of Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Arne Slot was visibly worried when Konate headed straight for the tunnel following the injury to his quadriceps.

The Dutch gaffer was short of options on the bench that could directly slot into the heart of Liverpool’s defence. Arne Slot was forced to replace Konate with midfielder Ryan Gravenberch for the remainder of the fixture, which his team eventually lost. It came as a surprise to many that Konate travelled with his national team duties despite the injury concerns.

Why did France release Konate?

It came as a surprise to several football pundits that Konate continued with his national team duties despite the injury concerns. Nevertheless, Konate was comfortable getting his conditions checked by the doctors at the French team. Following France’s 3-0 victory on Friday night, it was confirmed by Liverpool that Konate would not continue with his national duties and return to his club to continue his progress from recovery. A statement made by Liverpool regarding Konate confirmed the following:

“Ibrahima Konate will not take part in France’s match against Iceland on Monday. The Liverpool centre-back missed Les Bleus’ win over Azerbaijan on Friday and it has now been announced that he is not available for their next match in Reykjavik.”

Will Konate play against Manchester United?

Konate’s early return from national team duties does not guarantee a place in the starting eleven. Arne Slot will be cautious in easing the defender back into action, keeping in mind the long season that awaits the Reds. The Anfield team also looks short of defensive options after narrowly missing out on the signing of Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace.

Arne Slot will be delighted with the presence of Konate in his defence, considering the poor form his team have shown recently. The Reds approach the vital fixture on the back of three defeats at the hands of Chelsea, Galatasaray and Crystal Palace. The two sloppy defeats in the English top flight have also cost Slot’s team, conceding the top spot to Arsenal.   

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The medical team at Anfield will continue to assess Konate’s recovery this week before making a final decision on his inclusion in the playing eleven for the historic game against Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United.