Ibrahima Konate Leaves Liverpool Squad Hours Before Crucial Champions League Tie

Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate has returned to France for family reasons, missing the team's final training session ahead of their pivotal Champions League match against Marseille. The Express reports that Konate's unexpected absence from the AXA Training Centre session on Tuesday has raised concerns at a time when the Reds can ill afford defensive disruptions.[2][3][4]

Arne Slot's side travels to the hostile Stade Vélodrome on Wednesday night, aiming to secure automatic qualification for the knockout stages. Konate was not spotted with the main squad, as confirmed by journalist James Pearce of The Athletic: “Ibrahima Konate back in France for family reasons. Remains to be seen whether he links up with the squad in Marseille.”[2][4][5][6] It is not injury-related, providing some relief amid Liverpool's mounting defensive woes.

The timing is particularly challenging for Liverpool. Centre-back Giovanni Leoni is out for the season after ACL surgery, while Conor Bradley has undergone knee surgery and is sidelined until the Premier League run-in.[1][2] Joe Gomez is likely to deputise, despite earlier speculation of his own potential January exit for more playing time.[1] With no new signings imminent, Slot must rely on existing options to shore up the backline.

Adding to the intrigue, Mohamed Salah has returned to Merseyside after finishing third at AFCON with Egypt, defeating Nigeria in the play-off but enduring a gruelling schedule and long-haul travel. Salah trained with the team on Tuesday, though a final fitness decision awaits for the Marseille clash. Fans hope he can recapture his stellar 2024/25 form if passed fit.[2]

Arne Slot and another player are scheduled to speak to the media at 6:40pm GMT, where updates on Konate and Salah are expected. Konate's availability remains uncertain, ramping up tension ahead of this high-stakes European fixture. Meanwhile, broader reports suggest Liverpool may not renew Konate's contract, with Slot open to a summer exit amid performance concerns.[1]

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