image description

Ibrahima Konate trains with France, easing Liverpool's fears over injury

Konate limped off in the 79th minute of Liverpool's 1-0 victory over Arsenal, a match where Dominik Szoboszlai scored the winning goal from a free-kick.

Despite the initial concern, Liverpool's head coach, Arne Slot, downplayed the severity of the injury, expressing hope for a positive outcome from a scan. Konate's inclusion in the French squad confirms Slot's optimistic outlook.

"He thinks it is cramp and I have no reason to doubt him, although sometimes players talk about cramp and then we make a scan and it is more than that," said Slot.

"Jeremie Frimpong wasn't too happy, like some pundits and journalists, when I took him off against Bournemouth because he thought he only had cramp, or only felt a little bit, and he is already out for two or three weeks now. Let's wait and see.

"On a positive note... Joe Gomez, what a 15 minutes. I had to make one difficult choice today because I had to leave one player out of the squad with only Jeremie Frimpong being injured, so then I only had to make one difficult decision on who I could not take in the squad.

"The good thing was it was a centre-back, Giovanni Leoni, so we are perfectly placed in that position."

The defender, who trained with his club teammate Hugo Ekitike, is now in line for a potential starting role in France's two crucial matches.

His chance comes after fellow defender William Saliba of Arsenal withdrew from the squad due to an ankle injury sustained at Anfield.

France will face Ukraine on Friday, followed by a match against Iceland four days later at the Parc des Princes.
 

Related News

News

Alexander Isak 'forever grateful' to Newcastle after record Liverpool move

  • 1 day ago

Alexander Isak has paid tribute to Newcastle United and its supporters after completing a British record 125 million pounds transfer to Liverpool on deadline day, signing a six-year deal with the Merseyside club.

News

Former Liverpool man Harvey Elliott excited to join 'massive club' Aston Villa

  • 2 days ago

Harvey Elliott has revealed he was won over by a conversation with Aston Villa manager Unai Emery before completing his move from Liverpool.

News

Report: Liverpool face January battle to sign Marc Guehi amid European interest

  • 2 days ago

Liverpool face a tricky challenge in securing Marc Guehi when the January transfer window opens, after their dramatic failure to complete the defender's move on deadline day.

News

Aston Villa seal Harvey Elliott and Jadon Sancho signings in late transfer flurry

  • 2 days ago

Aston Villa completed a dramatic transfer deadline day by landing Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott and Manchester United forward Jadon Sancho on loan, with Elliott's move including an obligation to buy.