Liverpool dealt major injury blow as 'outstanding' defender ruled out for key fixtures

Liverpool have been dealt a major blow as it has been revealed that defender Ibrahima Konate could miss out on some key fixtures, including the Merseyside derby.

The 23-year-old has reportedly suffered a hamstring injury and might be facing up to three weeks on the sidelines.

The Reds have had several injury problems this season, with a number of key players missing. Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota, Roberto Firmino, Arthur and Virgil van Dijk are all unavailable for selection.

Van Dijk picked up a hamstring problem against Brentford earlier in the month and could be facing a long spell away, with the injury 'worse than first feared'.

With a tough run of games ahead Klopp can't afford any further casualties, as he is already dealing with a stretched back line.

Extent of Konate injury revealed

The Times journalist Paul Joyce has informed supporters of the seriousness of Konate's injury, suggesting he could miss out on some key matches, including the Reds' tie against Real Madrid.

He tweeted: "Ibrahima Konate is facing up to three weeks out with a hamstring injury.

"The Liverpool centre back will miss games against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Everton, Newcastle United and potentially Real Madrid in the Champions League."

Konate arrived at Anfield in 2021, signing from RB Leipzig in a deal worth £36 million.

His time in Merseyside has been tainted with injury, but in Van Dijk's absence, he looked to have secured a place in the team.

Speaking in January of last year, Klopp sung Konate's praises, referring to the 23-year-old as 'outstanding'.

"He played some early games for us and I think we all agree he is an exceptional talent – physically outstanding and a good footballer as well,” said the Liverpool boss.

"But when you are that skilled, that quick, that strong, then it is pretty normal, especially when you are young, that your concentration level drops form time to time.

"Tactically, we obviously play very different to Leipzig. They play quite frequently there with three at the back which is different to us as well. He had to adapt and has still to adapt to his team-mates, to the left and to the right of him.

"And on top of that, with Virgil [van Dijk], Joel [Matip] and Joe [Gomez], we have three more world-class centre-halves from my point of view."

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