Liverpool face an anxious wait over the fitness of Ibrahima Konate after he picked up a late injury against Real Madrid.
The French defender was named in the Reds’ starting XI for their clash with the Spanish giants. He played the full game as Arne Slot’s side secured a 2-0 win.
But Konate appeared to pick up a late issue. Immediately after the full-time whistle, members of Liverpool’s medical team rushed to his side to give him treatment.
He was in clear pain, while he was then helped off of the pitch by doctors as his Liverpool teammates toasted their memorable win. Any injury would be a massive worry given how key Konate has been for the Reds this season.
The French international has made 17 appearances for Slot this term and has established a solid partnership with Virgil van Dijk. Konate was not the only new injury worry for the Liverpool boss.
Academy graduate Conor Bradley also limped off the pitch during the game and was replaced by Joe Gomez. Slot will likely give an update ahead of the weekend’s game.
Liverpool could potentially extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table as they face title rivals Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday. Speaking ahead of that game, goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher said: “I think confidence is high in the whole squad. Man City, we know they have had a tough few results but what a team. We expect a really tough test but this is good confidence for the team and we will go again.”
While Konate and Bradley look set to be doubts ahead of the weekend, there was a huge boost against Real Madrid. Trent Alexander-Arnold returned to the squad with a place on the bench. He had missed the game against Southampton.
Elsewhere, Konstantinos Tsimikas, Alisson Becker, Diogo Jota and Federico Chiesa all remain sidelined. Speaking about the four ahead of the clash with Real Madrid, Slot said: “Federico is not in the squad yet. He is training with us, not the whole session, but mostly one or two parts of the session.
“Harvey Elliott is in the team but hasn’t played for a long time competitive football – so, he is there, but of course not ready to start. Alisson is not there yet, Diogo is not there yet, Kostas is not there – he is having an injury as well, so it’s quite a list for us as well.”
