Ibrahima Konate has avoided injury after being forced off in Sunday’s 1-0 win over Arsenal, with the centre-back now expected to play for France this week.
Konate informed Arne Slot after Liverpool’s victory at the weekend that he believed the issue which forced him off was simply cramp.
But both Slot and France manager Didier Deschamps were left awaiting the results of tests on the centre-back’s right leg amid concerns over an injury.
Fortunately Konate has now been cleared to train with his France teammates and is likely to be involved in their World Cup qualifier against Ukraine.
The two sides will meet in Poland for a 7.45pm kickoff on Friday and providing he is fully fit Konate should start alongside Dayot Upamecano.
Pas de cadeaux entre coéquipiers en club ET en sélection ! ? pic.twitter.com/fTXx2wZBDD
— Equipe de France ?? (@equipedefrance) September 2, 2025
While Liverpool’s No. 5 could yet face further issues in the upcoming games against Ukraine and Iceland, his availability will clearly be considered a positive.
The Premier League champions were unsuccessful in a move for Marc Guehi on deadline day despite agreeing a £35 million deal with Crystal Palace, meaning Slot will continue to rely on Konate as first choice.
Guehi’s arrival would have relieved the pressure on the Frenchman alongside Virgil van Dijk, as he would have provided another trusted starter.
Liverpool are back in action away to Burnley on September 14 and Slot should be able to call upon both Van Dijk and Konate, while Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leoni are available in reserve.
There are few fitness issues in Slot’s squad at present, with Jeremie Frimpong expected back after the international break and Stefan Bajcetic nearing a return after hamstring surgery.
Konate attracted criticism for his performances against both Bournemouth and Newcastle to begin the new campaign, not least from Jamie Carragher.
“He’s not at the races at all,” Carragher explained on Sky Sports, saying Konate had been “all over the place” in the opening fixtures.
“And I absolutely shudder to think where Liverpool would be without Virgil van Dijk, who has been absolutely outstanding in those games.”
But the 26-year-old had returned to form prior to his early exit against Arsenal, not least with his ability to build up play from the back.
Liverpool are still in talks over a contract extension with Konate’s representatives, though there is no resolution in sight yet.
If the champions cannot agree a new deal by January they risk allowing the defender to finalise a free transfer to Real Madrid.
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