Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate has confirmed he picked up an injury during the dying moments of the Reds' win over Real Madrid - as the Frenchman was ruled out of a showdown with Manchester City.
The center-back was imperious during the Merseysiders' milestone 2-0 victory over the Champions League holders at Anfield on Wednesday night. However, concerns were sparked after the 25-year-old hobbled off the field following the final whistle after sustaining a knock.
Now, Konate has confirmed that he will be sidelined, as he took to Instagram to confirm the set-back for Arne Slot's side with a crunch clash in the title race to come on Sunday. He said: "So frustrating to pick up this injury right at the end of a great game on Wednesday night.
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"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."
The France captain was involved in a foot-race with Madrid forward Endrick late on in injury time, as he appeared to collide with the Brazilian and teammate Virgil van Dijk. After the referee blew the final whistle, Konate stayed on the ground, requiring medical treatment on the field before limping off.
According to DAVEOCKOP, the defender is now expected to be sidelined for five to six weeks, meaning he will miss the festive period of fixtures. Expected to return in early January, Konate's absence for a potentially pivotal battle with Manchester City at the weekend will prove a blow for Slot and his team.
Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate picked up an injury after a coming together with Real Madrid's Endrick
Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate picked up an injury after a coming together with Real Madrid's Endrick (Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Currently the Merseysiders have been the pace-setters in both domestically and on the continent, topping the Premier League and Champions League standings.
Since being introduced as a substitute during the Reds' season opener against Ipswich Town, the center-half has been an ever-present in the Premier League. Alongside captain Van Dijk, he has helped Liverpool to establish the best defensive record in the league so far - conceding just eight goals in 12 games.
Speaking following the Champions League clash with Madrid, head coach Slot admitted that the situation regarding Konate's fitness looked concerning. Referencing Conor Bradley too, who picked up a hamstring problem in the win, the Dutchman said: "I know where they have pain, but how bad or how good it is difficult to judge so close after the game. This happens through a season.
"I am really hoping both of them are available to play because we want them all available, but if not someone else has to step up and until now this season everybody that I [have] selected to start has shown up. That's also what is going to happen on Sunday, if they can play but also if they can't play then other ones will step up."