Arne Slot has admitted uncertainty over Ibrahima Konate’s fitness for Liverpool’s crucial match against Manchester City on Sunday after the French defender sustained a suspected knee injury during the team’s 2-0 win over Real Madrid on Wednesday.
Konate was injured in the final moments of the match following a foul by Real Madrid’s Endrick, requiring medical attention before being helped off the pitch. The injury appeared serious as Konate visibly grimaced while walking off the field and had to pause to hold his right knee.
Konate was not the only concern for Liverpool, as right-back Conor Bradley also limped off with a hamstring issue during the same match.
Speaking on the situation, manager Arne Slot stated that it is too early to confirm whether both players will be fit to face Manchester City, who are direct rivals in the Premier League title race. Fans will be hoping for positive updates in the coming days as the team prepares for the highly anticipated encounter.
He said of the duo: “It’s difficult to judge so soon after the game.
“I’m really hoping that both will be available to play.”
Konate has started in the last 11 top-flight games having starred off the bench when replacing Jarell Quansah at half-time on the opening day of the season away at Ipswich.
He has been a huge reason as to why Liverpool sit eight points clear at the top of the table having conceded just eight goals in the division.
And the thought of Konate being unavailable against Pep Guardiola’s men proved to be difficult to take for Liverpool fans.
Taking to X, one user posted: “If Konate injury is serious these 3 points [vs Madrid] are simply not worth it.”
Another messaged: “A Konate injury would completely ruin this night. It’s the last thing we need.”
A third added: “That Konate injury is not allowing me to be happy with this win.”
And this fan simply stated: “That Konate injury could be an absolute disaster for our season…”
Should Konate miss out against City, Quansah would likely come back into the starting XI for his first start since August.
