Liverpool star defender Ibrahima Konate confirmed that he is out of action after sustaining a late injury against Real Madrid. Konate will miss the crucial Premier League clash against Manchester City on Sunday with big title race implications at stake.
The 25-year-old has played a pivotal role for the Reds this season, playing regularly alongside Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk. Liverpool have won 17 out of 19 games in all competitions under Arne Slot during the early stages of transition.
The defence has played a pivotal role during the early stages of the campaign, conceding 12 goals from 19 games. Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah have big shoes to fill in the absence of Konate as the fixture congestion continues.
Liverpool star Ibrahima Konate suffered a serious injury from an Endrick tackle (Photo credit: Liverpool FC)
Liverpool star Ibrahima Konate suffered a serious injury from an Endrick tackle (Photo credit: Liverpool FC)
Konate provided the injury update through his Instagram account, confirming that he will miss upcoming games for the Reds. He said:
“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.”
The 25-year-old made 18 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring two goals and providing an assist for the Reds. The Frenchman struggled with nagging injuries throughout his Liverpool tenure since joining from RB Leipzig in 2021 under Jurgen Klopp.
However, Konate showed reliability with his availability under Slot, staying fit this season until this ill-timed injury. Liverpool fans are very upset with Real Madrid forward Endrick as the young Brazilian is directly responsible for this injury.
The Reds defeated Real 2-0 after completely dominating them in the Champions League bout, exorcising their past demons. Liverpool never managed to beat Real during the Klopp era despite the success they enjoyed during that time.
Their poor form against the Spanish rivals started with an intentional armbar challenge from Sergio Ramos to Mohamed Salah in the 2018 Champions League final. Endrick’s behaviour during his cameo against Liverpool at Anfield is similar to what Ramos did to the Egyptian forward.
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The 18-year-old Real forward intentionally made two cynical challenges on Konate before catching him badly with the third challenge. Nevertheless, sharing frustration and demanding Endrick to take responsibility and avoid such action is one thing but we do not condone the racist abuse he received in social media.