Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate has revealed he faces an extended spell on the sidelines due to a knee injury, expressing his frustration over another fitness setback.
The Frenchman required treatment on the pitch after the final whistle of Liverpool’s 2-0 Champions League win against Real Madrid at Anfield on Wednesday.
Konate fell awkwardly following a heavy challenge from Real Madrid substitute Endrick in the game’s final moments.
Scans later confirmed the extent of the damage, with Liverpool manager Arne Slot admitting on Thursday that it was “not a good sign” Konate was hobbling as he left the field.
Taking to social media, the centre-back confirmed he will miss Sunday’s crucial Premier League clash against Manchester City and could be sidelined for a significant period.
Ibrahima Konate 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 absence of Ibrahima Konate is a significant blow for Liverpool as they approach a critical stretch of their season.
While no timeline has been set for his recovery, his unavailability leaves Arne Slot with a selection dilemma.
Since replacing Jarell Quansah at halftime during the opening-day victory over Ipswich Town, Konate has been a mainstay in Liverpool’s defence, partnering Virgil van Dijk in every Premier League and Champions League fixture.
Joe Gomez is expected to step in as Konate’s immediate replacement, having recently moved ahead of Quansah in the pecking order.
However, the latter did start Liverpool’s last home match against Manchester City in March, showcasing his potential.
Liverpool face a packed December schedule, beginning with Premier League clashes against Newcastle United and Everton next week, followed by a Champions League trip to Girona.
They also host Fulham and visit Tottenham Hotspur in the league, with a League Cup quarter-final against Southampton sandwiched in between.
The month concludes with a Boxing Day encounter against Leicester City at Anfield and a trip to West Ham United three days later.
Adding to Slot’s concerns, injuries have plagued the squad in recent weeks.
Conor Bradley sustained a hamstring injury late in the match against Real Madrid, while Alisson Becker has been sidelined since early October with a similar issue.
Diogo Jota has missed five weeks with an upper-body injury, Federico Chiesa hasn’t played since September, and Kostas Tsimikas has been absent for the last two games due to an ankle problem.
Meanwhile, Harvey Elliott has returned to the bench for the last two matches but hasn’t played competitively since August.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, who missed three weeks with a low-grade hamstring injury, was only fit enough for a substitute appearance in midweek.
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