Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konaté (24) is expected to miss the Reds’ home Premier League clash against Aston Villa on Sunday, according to France national team boss Didier Deschamps. The France international defender sustained a minor muscle injury that prevented him from featuring in Liverpool’s come-back 2-1 away win at Newcastle. Still, Deschamps has called up Konaté for France’s fixtures for the upcoming international break. Les Bleus will host the Republic of Ireland in Paris on September 7th as part of their campaign to qualify for the Euro 2024. They will then travel to Germany to face Hansi Flick’s national team for a friendly game on September 12th.
When asked if Konaté would be 100% fit for France next month, Deschamps revealed during his squad announcement that the former Leipzig man was currently recovering from his injury. “He worked well. We’ll assess the situation on Monday, but he’s supposed to be available. Of course, I won’t take risks.” The France national team boss expects that Konaté won’t play this Sunday for Liverpool against Aston Villa. “He was stopped for four days, he followed his program and he will train until Monday. It’s highly likely that he won’t be involved for Liverpool’s game on Sunday.“
Liverpool coach Jürgen Klopp will therefore have to do without Konaté and the suspended Virgil van Dijk for Villa’s visit at Anfield.
GFFN | Bastien Cheval
