Ibrahima Konate injury worry clarified by Didier Deschamps

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Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate was forced off late on against Arsenal at Anfield last Sunday with a cramp concern.

The alarm bells rang in the 79th minute when the Frenchman signalled for assistance and limped toward the touchline.

The 26-year-old has struggled during Liverpool’s first two matches of the season against Bournemouth and Newcastle, leading to doubts about his place in the starting lineup.

Of course, the constant rumblings on his contract situation has not helped his situation either.

Despite months of negotiations, contract talks between the Frenchman and Liverpool have not progressed.

The 26-year-old is already in the final year of his deal, currently earning around £70,000 per week since signing in 2021.

However, Konate is reportedly pushing for a substantial raise, aiming for a new contract with a weekly wage close to £200,000.

His performance against Arsenal has eased concerns that Konate’s head is potentially elsewhere.

And while there were also concerns that Konate may have picked up more serious injury against the Gunners, France boss Didier Deschamps has cleared the air.

Ahead of their World Cup qualifier against the Ukraine, Ouest France report that the defender just had a cramp and it was nothing more than that:

“The Liverpool player, on the other hand, only suffers from cramps and is good for the service, Deschamps said.”

The centre-back is anticipated to start in Didier Deschamps’ lineup for the upcoming fixtures with William Saliba injured and not with the squad.

It will hopefully be a chance for Konate to reassert himself as the first choice for France, having lost out to Dayot Upamecano and his Arsenal compatriot in recent times.

Read More: 18 Liverpool players on national team duty – when & where?

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