Image Credits: Imago Images
Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate has announced the passing of his father, Hamady. Konate missed Wednesday night’s Champions League win over Marseille, with Arne Slot confirming he was in France dealing with a family matter.
The centre-back later shared news of his father’s death on Instagram, also revealing that Hamady’s funeral will take place on Friday, alongside the message: “From Him we come, and to Him we return.”
The 26-year-old was absent from Liverpool’s open training session at Kirkby on Tuesday and did not travel with the squad. Speaking before the match, Reds boss Arne Slot described the situation as “very sad.” In Konate’s absence, Joe Gomez partnered Virgil van Dijk in defence as Liverpool kept a clean sheet in a 3-0 victory.
Slot told TNT Sports: “No, first of all for the family matter, why he is not here, it is very sad for him. Second of all, we miss him because I mainly played him [and Virgil van Dijk].
“Joe is a good replacement but not played much in the one-and-a-half year that I have been here, for obvious reasons. “But it’s a great game for him, he’s not played a lot.
“He has showed that he can build a great partnership with Virgil, winning the Premier League under Jurgen five years ago now. He’s shown he can be a really good player for us.”
Speaking after the game, Van Dijk added: “My thoughts are with him (Konate). I’m very happy to play with Joe. We are good friends, that helps as well. He played outstanding and was important in the first goal.”
It remains to be seen whether Konate will return to the squad for Saturday night’s trip to Bournemouth, with Slot set to provide an update when he faces the media at his press conference on Friday morning.
Image
Read more: The Telegraph confirms Mohamed Salah and Saudi Pro League news
Virgil van Dijk hits out at “disrespectful” question
Chelsea agree deal for Liverpool defensive target
Want to get the latest Liverpool news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.