Ibrahima Konate confirms devastating Liverpool injury blow before Man City clash | OneFootball

Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate has confirmed he is facing a spell on the sidelines after suffering an injury in the Champions League victory over Real Madrid on Wednesday.

The Frenchman helped the Reds keep a clean sheet against the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham to retain the top spot in Europe, but fears were stoked when it emerged he and Conor Bradley were being assessed for potential knocks ahead of Sunday's huge clash with Manchester City.

Konate has started 11 of Liverpool's 12 Premier League games so far, having come on as a substitute during the opening weekend victory over Ipswich Town back in August, but has now revealed he is starting rehabilitation after being helped from the pitch following a late collision with Madrid's Endrick.

He posted on Instagram: "So frustrating to pick up this injury right at the end of a great game on Wednesday night.

Konate suffered an injury late on against Madrid / Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/GettyImages

"Now we start the recovery process but one thing I promise is I will come back and be the best I can be once again.

"Thank you for the amazing support at Anfield. Inshallah we will keep going and I will support the team every step of the way."

Liverpool can extend their advantage over City at the top of the table with victory at Anfield but manager Arne Slot now has a starting XI conundrum to solve with Konate absent. Joe Gomez replaced Bradley late on in the win against Madrid, while Jarell Quansah is also an option at centre-back.

Konate is not the sole injury worry for Slot, either. Goalkeeper Alisson remains sidelined, while Federico Chiesa, Diogo Jota and Kostas Tsimikas are all expected to miss Sunday's fixture against the reigning champions.