Konate out of France squad with thigh injury ahead of Man Utd showdown

Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate has withdrawn from the France squad after suffering a recurrence of a thigh injury.

The 26-year-old had been called up for France’s World Cup qualifiers but did not feature in Friday’s 3-0 win over Azerbaijan.

He was later ruled out of Monday’s trip to Iceland after failing to recover from the problem.

A statement from the French Football Federation confirmed the news, explaining that Konate had been following a treatment plan since joining the national team camp on Monday but would not be fit to play.

Head coach Didier Deschamps has called up Benjamin Pavard, currently on loan at Marseille from Inter Milan, as his replacement.

Konate first sustained the issue during Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on October 4, when he was forced off in the second half.

The Frenchman has since been managing the problem, but the setback has prompted his early return to Merseyside for further assessment.

Liverpool are hopeful that the defender’s injury is only minor, with initial indications suggesting it may not be a long-term concern.

The club will continue to monitor his recovery ahead of the Premier League clash with Manchester United at Anfield next weekend.

His absence adds to the growing list of defensive concerns for the Premier League champions.

Giovanni Leoni is already ruled out for the season after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury in September.

Goalkeeper Alisson Becker is not expected to return from a hamstring problem until after the November international break.

If Konate fails to recover in time, Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez will be the only senior centre-back options available to Arne Slot.

Both players are currently on international duty, with Van Dijk completing 90 minutes in the Netherlands’ 4-0 victory over Malta on Thursday.

Konate has been an important figure under Slot this season, starting regularly alongside Van Dijk in the heart of the defence.

His leadership and composure have been key to Liverpool’s strong domestic form, and they will hope his latest injury setback is short-lived as they prepare for a busy schedule after the international break.