Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate earns a spot in the France squad for the March international break despite his injury
Despite the injury sidelining him for Liverpool, Ibrahima Konate joins the France squad for friendlies against Germany and Chile. Konate suffered a thigh problem during the first leg of the Europa League against Sparta Praha which Liverpool won 1-5.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp substituted Konate for captain Virgil van Dijk in the 50th minute of the game. The Frenchman missed the Premier League clash between Manchester City and Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday which ended 1-1.
The 24-year-old has played a pivotal role for the Reds this season, helping the club challenge for every trophy. Apart from him, Liverpool have Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah in their ranks as the centre-back choices alongside Van Dijk.
Konate has made 32 appearances in all competitions for the Reds, helping the team keep seven clean sheets. He has made 70 clearances and 131 recoveries while winning 66% of the duels and making 56% of successful tackles.
France National Team’s official X account revealed their squad for the March international break which included Konate as their defensive option. The Les Blues will play two friendlies against Germany and Chile on 23rd March and 26th March respectively.
Konate is unavailable for the second tie of the Europa League round of 16 against Sparta at Anfield on Thursday. However, he has a good chance to make it to the FA Cup quarter-finals game against rivals Manchester United.
The first squad of 2024 revealed
— French Team (@FrenchTeam) March 14, 2024
The upcoming matches for Les Bleus :
(Saturday 23 in Lyon)
(Tuesday 26 in Marseille)#FiersdetreBleus pic.twitter.com/LCsY3LfMux
Konate’s appearance in the FA Cup clash could give France a valid reason to select him for the friendly games. Liverpool would prefer that the 24-year-old receive much-needed rest during the international break to fully recover from his injuries.
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Konate is a crucial part of the squad and the Reds need him to stay fit until the season ends. The Reds have everything to play for as they challenge Man City and Arsenal for the Premier League title.
