Ibrahima Konate injury: Progress and potential return date for Liverpool defender
- Ibrahima Konate picked up a hamstring injury during Liverpool's emphatic win over Sparta Prague
- Defender missed the 1-1 draw with Manchester City
- Konate not expected to be out of action for very long
The more superstitious Arsenal supporters were quick to draw comparisons to William Saliba's title dream-killing back injury when Ibrahima Konate limped off in Prague.
Sure, the French defenders had each picked up injury setbacks during the Europa League round of 16, but that's where the similarities sort of, well... end.
Saliba, who was so crucial to Arsenal's success last season, actually picked up his back injury in a previous victory over Fulham before he trudged off against Sporting CP in what proved to be an ill-fated night for the Gunners. The defender subsequently missed the run-in as Manchester City usurped the north Londoners at the summit.
Liverpool fans will, of course, hope the Reds fail to endure a fate of that kind this time around, and they shouldn't be too concerned by Konate's injury setback.
What injury does Ibrahima Konate have?
There hasn't been too much information regarding the specifics of Konate's injury, but it certainly looked as if the Frenchman tweaked his hamstring in the Czech capital.
Some have speculated a grade one hamstring strain which aligns with the optimism Jurgen Klopp has supplied in the wake of Konate's setback.
When will Ibrahima Konate return from injury?
The Frenchman is expected to be back in action very soon. Klopp told reporters that his substitution against Sparta was precautionary, and although Konate was absent at the weekend, the defender could be back as early as this weekend.
Liverpool travel to Manchester United for their FA Cup quarter-final tie on Sunday.
Klopp confirmed that Konate has a "good chance" of playing at Old Trafford, but he'll miss the return leg against Sparta on Thursday with Liverpool holding a 5-1 advantage.
What Liverpool games has Ibrahima Konate missed due to injury?
Konate, who's been such a pivotal presence in Liverpool's backline this season, missed Sunday's crucial clash against Manchester City.
As it stands, that's the only game he's missed and given the optimism surrounding his swift return, he might miss just one more.
Presuming he returns in some capacity this weekend against United, the defender will also be in contention for the France squad as they take on Germany and Chile in friendlies this month.
How have Liverpool done without Ibrahima Konate and who has replaced him?
Liverpool have already lost Joel Matip for the season with a knee injury, so young Jarell Quansah partnered Virgil van Dijk against Erling Haaland's City on Sunday.
Quansah's maturity has impressed supporters this season, with the centre-back producing another measured display on the big occasion at Anfield.
The pair did a fine job of marshalling Haaland, who didn't get on the scoresheet, and if the injury-prone Konate does miss more time before the season draws to a close, the Reds are in safe hands with the emerging Quansah.
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