Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate picks up a knock on duty for France | OneFootball

The past few weeks have been torrid for Liverpool fans. The Reds crashed out of the UEFA Champions League at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain before losing the League Cup final to Newcastle United.

Liverpool fans are wary of the players potentially bottling a 15-point lead at the summit of the Premier League table. The Merseysiders have created a massive gap between themselves and Arsenal, but their recent form will alarm manager Arne Slot.

Liverpool received another crushing blow as defender Ibrahima Konate picked up a knock while on international duty for France. The 25-year-old came off at half-time as Croatia beat Les Bleus.

The Liverpool centre-half endured a torrid 45 minutes, giving away a stonewall penalty, which they fluffed before playing the Croatian attackers onside for the opener. It was a dreadful showing, but he might have been dealing with a problem from before the game.

By the 30th-minute mark, Dayot Upamecano was already warming up to replace Konate, and by half-time, he did not come out with the team. Liverpool fans will hold their breath, hoping the knock is not so serious.

Liverpool have a crucial game against Merseyside arch-rivals Everton once they return from the break. They need all hands on deck as they look for three points against a team resurgent under David Moyes. The Reds cannot afford a third successive loss.

Liverpool already have a concerning situation at the back as Trent Alexander-Arnold sustained an ankle injury during the loss against PSG. There is still no definite timescale on the vice-captain’s return.

Additionally, Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch pulled out of international duties with the Netherlands. The Reds are looking thin in key positions.