Liverpool star Ibrahima Konate among multiple France stars affected by ‘mystery virus’
Ahead of their World Cup final against Argentina, the France national team stand hit with a huge issue they need to face first. A ‘mystery virus’ has struck down a number of France players including Liverpool star Ibrahima Konate. (h/t Daily Star)
After his world-class performance against Morocco in the semi-finals, it would be a natural selection for Konate to begin alongside Raphael Varane in the final on Sunday. But with the duo, alongside Dayot Upamecano, Adrien Rabiot and Kingsley Coman sitting out with the same issue, France’s title defence is under threat.
Apparently, the air-conditioning in the hotel the NT is staying at has something to do with the flu, leaving the players with high temperatures and fever-like symptoms. One would hope that the players are back to optimum fitness, and more importantly, the players themselves, as it is a World Cup at stake.
Apart from the two games where he remained on the bench for the entirety of the game, Konate has been extremely solid in all appearances he has made so far, even if is for a brief while, like against Denmark.
Top-Class Konate
Above all, he overshadowed his senior CB Varane in a World Cup semi-final, and that is a huge achievement for a 23-year-old.
Another key point is that his selection for the tournament was in major doubt as he was unavailable for his club for most parts of the season and only made four appearances across all competitions for the Reds due to an injury situation.
But ever since the Reds secured his services, Konate has been a rock at the back for the Reds, and would easily lead the Reds’ backline in the future. Showing all signs of a world-class defender, a fan would only hope for him to carry on the same trajectory.
More Liverpool News
- Liverpool handed Jude Bellingham boost as Real Madrid reluctant to pay huge fee
- Liverpool reignite interest in Hirving Lozano ahead of the 2023 summer transfer window
- Fabinho’s wife reacts to transfer rumours linking the Liverpool midfielder away from Anfield
However, we can only hope that all the players are fit and fine just in time for the World Cup. As fans, we certainly want to see an evenly matched final and such injuries could tilt the favour in Argentina’s favour. Equally important for the Reds is Ibou’s fitness, and we would hope that this is just normal flu and not something bigger.
