Ibrahima Konate unlikely to be fit for Liverpool’s clash with Aston Villa

Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konate looks set to miss out on the Reds’ clash with Aston Villa this Sunday due to a muscle injury. France manager Didier Deschamps does not expect the 24-year-old to be fit for the game, despite calling him up for international duty on Thursday.

Konate started the first two games of the Premier League season for Liverpool, but missed out on the win over Newcastle on Sunday due to the injury. Deschamps is under the impression that he will be fit for the international fixtures to come, however.

France squad announcement

Speaking on the announcement of the France squad on Thursday, Deschamps said of Konate: ‘He worked well. We’ll assess the situation on Monday, but he’s supposed to be available. Of course, I won’t take risks.

‘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.’

Jurgen Klopp’s update

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp said of Konate’s fitness: ‘He will be back after the international break. Not too serious, but serious enough.

‘Maybe a chance for [Aston] Villa, but I expect him to be back after the international break.’

Replacement options

With Konate unfit and Virgil van Dijk suspended due to a red card against Newcastle, it looks likely Liverpool will be left with Joe Gomez and Joel Matip to play in central defence against Aston Villa at Anfield.

20-year-old Jarell Quansah came off the bench against Newcastle to make his Premier League debut and provides another option at centre-back.

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