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.
