Liverpool’s Konate withdraws from France’s World Cup qualifier due to a thigh injury

France defender Ibrahima Konate has withdrawn from the squad due to a thigh injury sustained during Liverpool’s 2-1 Premier League defeat to Chelsea last weekend, the national team has announced.

Konate was an unused substitute in France’s 3-0 win over Azerbaijan in their World Cup qualifier on Friday and is unfit to face Iceland away in Group D next week.

“Ibrahima Konate, who injured his right quadriceps during his last match against Liverpool, has followed treatment and protocol since his arrival this Monday, but will not be able to take his place against Iceland,” the French team wrote on X.

Also read | Enzo Fernandez drops out of the Argentina selection due to a knee injury

“Benjamin Pavard is called in as backup.”

France, who top the group after winning all three matches, visit third-placed Iceland on Monday. Liverpool will be back in action at home against Manchester United on October 19.

Konate, 26, is the second Liverpool centre-back to be injured in the past month after Giovanni Leoni suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear that ruled him out for a year.

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker also suffered a hamstring injury earlier this month, adding to the English champions’ injury problems in defence.

Published on October 12, 2025