Arjun Menon
Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konaté has left the squad and returned to France, placing his availability for Wednesday night’s crucial Champions League clash with Marseille in serious doubt.
According to reports, the centre-back travelled home due to family matters and was absent from the Reds’ open training session at Kirkby on Tuesday. At this stage, it remains unclear whether he will rejoin the squad in France ahead of the match.
Konaté absence adds to Slot’s defensive concerns
Arne Slot is already under increasing scrutiny following Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Burnley — a result that marked the first time since 1981 that the club have failed to beat any of the Premier League’s promoted sides in a single season.
The Dutchman has endured persistent defensive issues throughout the campaign and will be hoping Konaté is able to return in time, particularly given Liverpool’s mounting injury list at the back.
The Athletic report that Konaté has travelled to France to be with his family and that, as things stand, his involvement against Marseille remains uncertain.
Liverpool have since flown across the Channel for their meeting with Roberto De Zerbi’s Marseille side, but Konaté was not part of the travelling group following his absence from training.
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Limited options for Liverpool defence
Slot is already without Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni, both of whom are sidelined with long-term injuries.
If Konaté is unavailable, Liverpool’s defensive options are severely restricted, with Joe Gomez the most natural replacement alongside Virgil van Dijk. Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch could also be considered as makeshift alternatives in a backline stretched thin.
The situation underlines Liverpool’s lack of depth in central defence, an issue that was not addressed in the January transfer window after the club failed to land Crystal Palace’s Marc Guéhi.
Konaté praise and uncertainty over future
Earlier this season, Slot attracted attention by stating that Konaté had been “on the crime scene” too often during matches — a reference to mistakes the defender had been involved in.
However, weeks later, the Liverpool head coach publicly defended the Frenchman following an improved run of form.
“I would like to highlight one player because he has been highlighted in a negative way and that is Konaté,” Slot said. “I don’t think him and Virgil made a mistake at all.”
Beyond immediate fitness concerns, Konaté’s long-term future remains unresolved. His contract expires at the end of the season, and there is currently no indication that a breakthrough in negotiations is close.
With Liverpool already light in defence and a crucial European fixture looming, Slot will be anxiously awaiting clarity on whether one of his most important defenders can yet play a part in Marseille.