Not in Liverpool’s squad for the 3-0 win over Aston Villa and the 2-1 victory against Newcastle United, Ibrahima Konaté will not be representing France during the international break.
While there was a hope he could feature despite his injury, the decision was made by Didier Deschamps to replace him in the squad with Jean-Clair Todibo, currently at OGC Nice.
L’Equipe cover the situation, and explain that the Liverpool star’s absence is a ‘heavy blow’ for France, as he is an integral part of the defence alongside Dayot Upamecano.
Their affinity and understanding suggested a good partnership could be formed following the international retirement of Raphaël Varane, but that will have to wait a while longer.
Todibo, down his end, is delighted to be taking the Liverpool defender’s spot, and the 23-year-old could be in line for his first cap, vowing to ‘give everything on the pitch’ should he be called upon by Deschamps in the games against Ireland and Germany.
Deschamps will now have to choose between the Nice star, Axel Disasi or William Saliba to play alongside Upamecano, as he waits for Konaté to recover, hopefully well in time for the October international break, when France will face the Netherlands and Scotland.
