Ibrahima Konaté
LIV
France
Right
May 25, 1999
26
6'4"
209 lb
CB
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Back Line Anchor
LiverpoolOption after absence
Konate is fit and an option for Wednesday's match against Galatasaray after he was unused off the bench in the last match, according to manager Arne Slot. "Yeah, he is at this moment of time [ready to play]. The day after the game is recovery, if you play so many games with only two days of rest in between, you cannot do a lot, but he is declared completely fit, he doesn't feel the discomfort anymore. So, then he is ready to start and hopefully fulfil 90 minutes or, if needed, even longer. But that's what we have to find out tomorrow."
Analysis: Konate is going to be back with the team Wednesday and will not waste any time starting again, appearing to be fit for his normal role after the absence in the last match. This is huge news for the club as they look to complete a comeback, now having more help in the defense. That said, he should continue to start next to Virgil van Dijk in the middle of the defense, forming one of the best defensive duos in the Premier League.
Quiet in loss
Konate registered one tackle (one won) and three clearances in Tuesday's 2-1 defeat to Wolverhampton.
Analysis: Konate had a quiet showing during Tuesday's loss. Liverpool largely controlled the match and when Wolves attacked, Konate wasn't able to do enough to shut it down. It's been a disappointing season, but Konate has improved in the back half and is back to forming a generally strong partnership with Virgil van Dijk.
Nets rare goal
Konate scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal) in Saturday's 4-1 win over Newcastle United.
Analysis: Konate was back in the squad after two weeks away from the team due to the passing of his father, and he returned with a goal. It was an emotional moment for the center-back, who had a brilliant match on the whole. Konate should be a big part of the starting XI now that he's back with the squad.
Available against Newcastle
Konate (personal) is back available for Saturday's clash against Newcastle, coach Arne Slot said in the press conference. "Ibou trained with us yesterday and trains with us today and will be in the squad tomorrow."
Analysis: Konate missed the last three games due to personal reasons but the Frenchman is expected to train on Friday and will be an option for Saturday's clash against the Mapgies. Konate has been an undisputed starter for Liverpool this season and should regain that role alongside Virgil van Dijk on Saturday. The center-back contributed 31 tackles, 12 interceptions and 129 clearances in 22 Premier League appearances this season to help the reds secure five clean sheets.
Expected to return Saturday
Konate (personal) is expected to be back available for Saturday's clash against Newcastle United, coach Arne Slot said in the press conference. "[I am] hoping and expecting to have Ibou [Konate] but I cannot guarantee this yet, but we are hoping Ibou will be back with us."
Analysis: Konate missed the last three games following his father's passing, but the staff hopes and expects him to be back available for Saturday's clash against Newcastle United. The Frenchman has been an undisputed starter in the backline for Liverpool and will likely start in the backline if deemed ready for the game. If he has to miss another game and Joe Gomez (undisclosed) remains out as well, Ryan Gravenberch would have to play out of position again and start alongside Virgil van Dijk in central defense.
Still absent
Konate (personal) is out for Wednesday's match against Qarabag, according to manager Arne Slot. "Of course, I spoke to him and if you know why he is not here, of course, we both know that he is having a hard time. I'm hoping and expecting him back soon, but also not for tomorrow evening's game."
Analysis: Konate is still with his family and in France following the passing of his father, with the club giving him plenty of time to recover from the tragic situation. This will leave him questionable heading into Saturday's match against Newcastle, needing to return and train in the next few days, although he will not be rushed.
Not in team sheet
Konate (personal) is out for Saturday's match against Bournemouth.
Analysis: Konate is still not with his club after some personal issues that forced him to return to France, yet to be back in Liverpool after the trip home. That said, he is likely to eye a return in the next week as they head into another UCL matchday, taking back his starting spot from Joe Gomez once fit.
Unlikely against Bournemouth
Konate (personal) announced the death of his father on Thursday and the tribute that will be paid to him on Friday at noon in France, which makes the defender's availability unlikely for Saturday's match Bournemouth, coach Arne Slot confirmed in the press conference, according to the Liverpool Echo. "I've spoken to him a few times and these are private matters and they should stay that way. It's very obvious when something like that happens the player needs time to be there for his family and for himself."
Analysis: Konate lost his father in recent days and missed the Champions League clash against Marseille on Wednesday for that reason. The center-back announced that a tribute will be paid to his father on Friday at noon in France, which suggests he will likely miss Saturday's clash against Bournemouth as well. Konate has been an undisputed starter in the backline for Liverpool, and his probable absence will force a change in the starting XI, with Joe Gomez likely starting again in his place.
Misses squad list
Konate (personal) is not in the squad list for Wednesday's match against Marseille.
Analysis: Konate is not with his club following his return to France for a family matter, unable to play despite the club traveling to France to face Marseille. This is a major loss for the club, with the defender only missing one start all season, this coming in an FA Cup match. That said, a change will be made, with Joe Gomez a likely replacement until Konate is fit again.
Not in team training
Konate (personal) wasn't spotted training with the team on Tuesday since he is currently in France due to family reasons, according to James Pearce from The Athletic.
Analysis: Konate is currently in France due to family reasons and is not training with the squad one day ahead of Wednesday's Champions League clash against Marseille. That said, since the game is taking place at the Velodrome in Marseille, Konate could still link up with the team during the day on Wednesday. If the center-back ultimately has to miss the clash, Joe Gomez will likely be the main option to replace him in central defense against the Olympians.
Busy defensively
Konate generated seven clearances and one interception in Thursday's 0-0 draw against Arsenal. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 93rd minute.
Analysis: Konate had everything to do behind the ball throughout Thursday's scoreless draw, shutting down wave-after-wave of Arsenal attacks, especially in the first half. Konate has finally come into form after an awful start to the season, and seems set to partner Virgil van Dijk as long as both stay fit in the back half of the season.
Scores on lone shot
Konate scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) in Wednesday's 5-1 victory versus Eintracht Frankfurt.
Analysis: Konate scored from a corner routine Wednesday, getting free and nodding home before half time. The defender has upside from set-pieces and seems to be finding his form after a rocky start to the season. Konate is still looking for some consistency after a very difficult start to the campaign with Liverpool dropping four in a row prior to this match.
Starting in return
Konate (quadriceps) is in the starting XI for Sunday's match against Manchester United.
Analysis: Konate has returned from injury this week after he was back on the training field Friday, with the defender fit enough for a starting role immediately. He should continue in this position moving forward in most instances, starting in all 10 games thus far.
Trains as expected
Konate (quad) was pictured in training Friday, ahead of Sunday's clash with Manchester United.
Analysis: Konate was active in training during Friday's session, as expected. He still needs to pass a late fitness test to get on the pitch Sunday, but everything seems to point towards him being fully fit. With Konate seemingly good to go, Joe Gomez will be left on the bench for Derby day.
Late call Sunday
Konate (quadriceps) has yet to return to Liverpool and is expected to train on Friday, making him a late call for Sunday's clash against Manchester United, coach Arne Slot said in a press conference, according to the Liverpool Echo.
Analysis: Konate suffered a quadriceps injury while on international duty with France and has yet to resume training with Liverpool. The center-back will likely be assessed after the final training session to see if he can make the squad for Sunday's clash against Manchester United. If the French defender has to miss the game, Joe Gomez would be expected to see increased playing time in the backline against the Red Devils.
Withdraws from French squad
Konate (quadriceps) has withdrawn from the French national team due to his ongoing injury, the France national team said Saturday, "Injured in the right quadriceps during his last match with Liverpool, Ibrahima Konate has followed a treatment and protocol since his arrival this Monday but will not be able to take his place against Iceland."
Analysis: Konate thought to have been ready to play with France, however missed the clash with Azerbaijan and will return to Liverpool early for further treatment. He will continue to be limited in training, leaving him in doubt for the match with Manchester United on Oct 19.
Spotted in training Thursday
Konate (quadriceps) was part of Thursday's training session while on international duty with France, according to L'Equipe.
Analysis: Konate suffered a quadriceps injury during Liverpool's 2-1 loss to Chelsea just before the international break. Still, his presence on the grass Thursday suggests the center-back might be fit enough to feature for Les Bleus in their upcoming World Cup Qualifying matches. If Konate sees time with France over the break, he should be considered ready to play for the Reds when they take on Manchester United on Sunday, Oct. 19, after the break.
Training indoors Tuesday
Konate suffered a quadriceps injury in Saturday's 2-1 loss against Chelsea and was spotted training indoors while on international duty with France, according to L'Equipe.
Analysis: Konate is still dealing with pain following the quadriceps injury he suffered against Chelsea on Saturday. The center-back was spotted training indoors on Tuesday and also received treatment from the French medical staff as part of his recovery plan. Konate will be assessed on Wednesday to determine whether he can participate in the upcoming games against Azerbaijan and Iceland or if the France squad will decide to be precautionary and send him back to Liverpool.
Taken off with injury
Konate was forced off the field in Saturday's 2-1 loss to Chelsea due to an apparent injury, according to manager Arne Slot. "I don't know if it is a big injury, but what I do know is he limped a little bit, and when I asked him, he said he felt his quad a little bit. It might be ok that he went off early enough, but it was clear I had to take him off because he was limping."
Analysis: Koante had to leave the field early Saturday, and it has now been confirmed to be due to an injury, only lasting 56 minutes in the outing. He will now have two weeks to recover with no game due to the international break, coming at a decent time for the defender. He will then look to be fit against Manchester United when they return on Oct. 19, with Joe Gomez as a possible replacement in the defense.
Logs two INTs, three tackles won
Konate logged two interceptions and four tackles (three won) during Liverpool's 1-0 win Sunday at Burnley.
Analysis: For the Liverpool-Burnley game, two of Liverpool's players logged multiple interceptions, Dominik Szoboszlai and Konate. Unlike his Hungarian teammate, the French center-back also recorded several tackles won Sunday. Concerning the defensive statistic, Konate's recent rate is impressive, five of six won for three appearances.
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