Liverpool dealt Konate injury blow ahead of Man City encounter

Ibrahima Konate confirmed he is set for a spell on the sidelines ahead of Liverpool’s blockbuster clash against Manchester City on Sunday.

Konate was one of the standout performers for the Reds during their Champions League victory over Real Madrid in midweek but appeared to pick up an injury late in the game.

The Frenchman tangled with Madrid’s young Brazilian winger Endrick, which left him lying prone on the turf, though he was able to complete the 90 minutes.

However, Konate is expected to miss this weekend’s tantalising tie against Pep Guardiola’s out-of-form City side, with reports suggesting he could miss up to 11 games.

“So frustrating to pick up this injury right at the end of a great game on Wednesday night,” Konate posted to Instagram.

“Now we start the recovery process, but one thing I promise is I will come back and be the best I can be once again.

“Thank you for the amazing support at Anfield. Inshallah, we will keep going, and I will support the team every step of the way.”

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Konate’s absence is a huge blow for Arne Slot’s side, with the Frenchman having formed an imperious partnership alongside Virgil van Dijk this season.

The Reds have conceded just 12 goals from their 19 games in all competitions so far this term, with Konate playing a huge role in their new-found defensive resilience.

Only Van Dijk (40) has won more aerial duels in the Premier League for Liverpool this season than Konate (28), while the Frenchman has made more blocks (five) than any of his team-mates.