Liverpool will face a major setback this weekend as French defender Ibrahima Konaté has been ruled out of their English Premier League clash against Manchester City due to injury.
Konaté, who has been a key figure in Liverpool’s defense, sustained a knee injury in the final minutes of Wednesday’s 2-0 Champions League victory over Real Madrid. The incident followed a foul by substitute Endrick, forcing Konaté to be assisted off the pitch.
After undergoing assessments at Liverpool’s training ground on Thursday, the exact diagnosis of the injury remains unclear. However, the France international confirmed on Instagram that he faces a recovery period.
“So frustrating to pick up this injury right at the end of a great game on Wednesday night,” Konaté shared. “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.”
Konaté’s absence is a significant blow for Liverpool, who currently sit atop the Premier League table. The defender has been in exceptional form this season, forming a formidable partnership with Virgil van Dijk. With Liverpool set to play nine matches in just 29 days during December, his unavailability will test the squad’s depth.
Manager Arne Slot is expected to rely on either Joe Gomez or Jarell Quansah to fill Konaté’s role in Sunday’s high-stakes match against the reigning Premier League champions.
Sunday’s match between Liverpool and Manchester City on Sunday will kick off at 4 pm.
