Liverpool deals Konate injury blow

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Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konaté has expressed his frustration after sustaining a knee injury that will sideline him for Sunday’s top-of-the-table Premier League clash against Manchester City.

Konaté suffered the injury in the final moments of Liverpool’s 2-0 Champions League victory over Real Madrid, following a collision with Brazilian forward Endrick.

The French international has been pivotal to Liverpool’s remarkable start under manager Arne Slot. The Reds currently sit eight points clear at the top of the Premier League and have secured victory in all five of their Champions League matches this season.

Konaté has been ever-present in both competitions, starting every game since replacing Jarell Quansah at half-time in the season opener against Ipswich.

Liverpool have yet to confirm the duration of the 25-year-old’s absence, but reports suggest he could be out for up to six weeks.

“So frustrating to pick up this injury right at the end of a great game on Wednesday night,” Konaté wrote on Instagram.

“Now we start the recovery process, but one thing I promise is that I will come back and be the best I can be once again. Thank you for the amazing support at Anfield.”

England international Joe Gomez is expected to step in for Konaté, with Quansah also an option for the defensive role.