Ibrahima Konate injury hint dropped as Liverpool defender called into squad
Ibrahima Konate has been called up to the latest France squad - potentially increasing the chances that the Liverpool defender will return for Sunday's FA Cup quarter-final clash at bitter rivals Manchester United.
Konate handed Liverpool yet another injury scare when he limped off during the 5-1 Europa League round-of-16 first-leg win at Sparta Prague last Thursday. The centre-back then missed the 1-1 top-of-the-table Premier League draw with Manchester City and was not pictured when the Reds held an open training session yesterday in Kirkby, where midfielder Ryan Gravenberch made a surprise return.
Therefore, it is expected that Konate will play no part in tonight's second leg against Prague at Anfield. That would tally with what Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp revealed after the crucial City clash, when he said the France international would have a "good chance" of playing against their Manchester neighbours United.
Liverpool make late change to Europa League squad after Ibrahima Konate injury and second defender ruled out
Liverpool line-ups for Sparta Prague as Mohamed Salah and Jayden Danns decisions made
And it appears that would be very much the case after Konate was today named in the France squad for their friendlies against Germany (March 23) and Chile (March 26).
His fellow Reds defender Joe Gomez, meanwhile, has been recalled to the England squad after a four-year absence.
England boss Gareth Southgate said: "It's firstly great to see him playing regularly at Liverpool and he's such a lovely boy, I've known him since the under-17s won in Malta when he was at Charlton (Athletic).
"We love working with Joe, we're delighted to see him back playing and we look forward to seeing him next week."
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