Ibrahima Konate released from France squad as Liverpool injury concerns continue

Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Echo or go back to LFC Live.

Liverpool Echo IconSportFootballLiverpool FCLiverpool will assess the fitness of Ibrahima Konate ahead of the Premier League clash against Manchester United next weekendIbrahima Konate has been released from the France squad and will return to Liverpool to continue his recovery from a thigh injury. Konate was called up by his national team earlier this week despite limping off shortly after half-time of the Reds' 2-1 Premier League defeat at Chelsea last Saturday.The centre-back sat out training for several days before being involved in a session on Wednesday at Clairefontaine.However, he failed to feature from the bench during the 3-0 home World Cup qualifying win over Azerbaijan on Friday night and has now been replaced by Marseille defender Benjamin Pavard for the game in Iceland on Monday.READ MORE: Florian Wirtz position at Liverpool 'not his fault' as finger pointed - 'he knows'READ MORE: Liverpool defender suffers major blow as two players hand Arne Slot fitness boost ahead of Man UtdWhile there is no suggestion Konate has aggravated the problem, that he will not have featured in either game for his national team will be a concern for Liverpool boss Arne Slot.Konate is one of only three recognised centre-backs at Slot's disposal with teenager Giovanni Leoni having been ruled out for the season after suffering an ACL injury in the League Cup win over Southampton a fortnight ago.Liverpool will ascertain Konate's fitness on his return to the AXA Training Centre ahead of the resumption of their season with the Premier League visit of bitter North West rivals Manchester United next Sunday.