Real Madrid confirm Ibrahima Konate has right-leg ligament injury

Real Madrid have confirmed that Ibrahima Konate has suffered an injury to the lateral ligament in his right leg, with the defender’s recovery timetable yet to be established.

The France international returned to Madrid after leaving the France squad during the current international break. The French Football Federation announced earlier on 24 September that Konate had withdrawn from the camp after experiencing pain in his knee, with initial reports suggesting the problem was a minor sprain.

Real Madrid subsequently issued a medical update outlining the nature of the injury. The club said Konate would undergo further assessment and continue with a treatment programme, but did not give an expected date for his return.

The uncertainty creates concern for Real Madrid at a crucial stage of the season, particularly after the player’s recent history of knee problems during his time at Liverpool.

Spanish newspaper Sport reported that the injury was not as serious as had initially been feared and that Konate could be sidelined for about two weeks. On that basis, the defender is expected to be available for Real Madrid’s La Liga match against Villarreal on 10 October.

However, Mundo Deportivo has questioned whether Konate will recover in time for that fixture, suggesting his return could be delayed.

The injury represents a difficult start for the defender at Real Madrid, while the lack of a confirmed absence period leaves the club waiting for further updates on his condition.

Konate is the second Real Madrid player to suffer an injury during the current international break. Federico Valverde has also been affected, although there remains uncertainty over how long the midfielder will be unavailable.

The two cases leave the Real Madrid coaching staff facing further uncertainty before competitive football resumes. The club’s medical team will continue to monitor Konate, with his availability for the meeting with Villarreal dependent on the progress of his recovery.