Liverpool fans were left concerned after Ibrahima Konate was taken off at half-time during France’s Nations League quarter-final against Croatia.
The 25-year-old started the game alongside Arsenal’s William Saliba but did not return for the second half.
France’s official social media accounts initially reported that Konate was “injured.”
This raised fears that Liverpool could be facing yet another injury setback.
The Reds have already seen Ryan Gravenberch withdraw from the Netherlands squad due to injury, and goalkeeper Alisson Becker was forced off for Brazil with a suspected concussion.
With Liverpool fighting for silverware this season, losing a key defender like Konate would be a huge blow.
However, France boss Didier Deschamps has now cleared up the situation.
Didier Deschamps reveals brutal reason for Ibrahima Konate substitution
Konate was not taken off due to injury.
Deschamps made it clear that it was a tactical decision.
He explained, “I know it’s tough, but I saw him struggling, not at his best, so I preferred to substitute him.”
Konate had a difficult first half, giving away an early penalty for handball.
Although Mike Maignan saved Andrej Kramaric’s spot kick, France still went on to lose 2-0, with goals from Ante Budimir and Ivan Perisic sealing Croatia’s win.
Deschamps’ decision to remove Konate shows the high standards he expects from his players.
While it is a relief that Konate is not injured, the Liverpool defender will want to bounce back from a tough night for France.
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