Alex Roberts

Sat 30 November 2024 18:26, UK

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has taken to social media to show his support for defensive partner Ibrahima Konate.

The 25-year-old picked up a knee injury in their 2-0 Champions League win over Real Madrid on Wednesday (November 27) following a reckless challenge from young forward Endrick.

Konate was assisted off the pitch by Liverpool’s physio team and has since undergone an assessment, with early indications suggesting he will be sidelined for a number of weeks in a “devastating” blow for the team.

Arne Slot’s side have a whopping nine games throughout December, including their potential title decider against Man City on Sunday (December 1).

Liverpool don’t have a wealth of options at centre-back, with Konate set to miss the festive period, Jarell Quansah and Joe Gomez are the only viable first-team options available.

Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate impressing at Liverpool

The Frenchman has started 16 matches among 18 appearances in all competitions this season, yielding 1424 minutes of action.

Partnering with Virgil van Dijk, 33, Konate has played a key role in Liverpool achieving the Premier League’s best defensive record, with just eight goals conceded in their 12 matches.

Van Dijk has been mister consistent for Liverpool so far this season, playing every minute of their league campaign as they sit at the summit.

Konate will be missed, with Van Dijk taking to Instagram to respond to his partner’s most recent post confirming his injury with a simple message.

A win over Pep Guardiola and his struggling Man City side on Sunday would see Liverpool go 12 points clear at the top of the table.

There would be no better way for Slot to start the post-Klopp era than ending City’s dream of winning a fifth consecutive title.

In other news, Liverpool fans fume at ‘disrespectful’ Paul Merson after his dig live on Sky.

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