Liverpool‘s FA Cup tie against Brighton was disappointing for a number of reasons, including the final result as the Reds crashed out of the competition via a 2-1 defeat.
Despite scoring the opener, they were knocked out by a Brighton comeback, completed by forward Karou Mitoma in the dying embers of the tie.
The defeat further lashed any chances for Liverpool to pick up any silverware this season, and their performance wasn’t anything to write home about either.
Additional disappointment awaited Kopites as various sources reported today that first-choice Ibrahima Konate suffered an injury during the game.
After missing a number of games due to a knee injury earlier this season, the Frenchman is all set to go on the mend again, a hamstring injury being the cause on this occasion.
The 23-year-old had been performing well since his return from the World Cup, and seeing him sidelined again is a major blow for Liverpool.
The Reds were already having injury-related troubles with the likes of Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz, Roberto Firmino, and Virgil van Dijk all unavailable for selection.
Adding Konate on top of that pile makes it scarily close to an injury crisis.
Konate possible return date revealed
Depending upon the severity, hamstring injuries can take up to 6 weeks of recovery time.
Low-grade hamstring damage can see a player return after 1-2 weeks of recovery, while more severe damage usually leads to 4-6 weeks of being sidelined.
According to reliable Liverpool sources Paul Joyce and Dominic King, the centre-back will be unavailable for ‘a fortnight at least’, and that time period could rise to up to 3 weeks.
The time frame suggests that the injury wasn’t entirely severe.
What matches will Ibrahima Konate miss?
With the season approaching a crucial stage, he’s also set to miss some important games.
Konate will likely be out for the games against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Newcastle United and the Merseyside Derby against Everton.
With Liverpool currently 9th in the league, every point is valuable, especially for securing a European berth.
The Frenchman will be a big miss for these crucial league matches but that’s not all.
There’s also a possibility that he could miss Liverpool’s all-important Champions League clash against Real Madrid.
With the transfer window shut, it’s unlikely that the Reds will be able to recruit a potential backup.
Deputizing in place of Konate and the already-injured Virgil Van Dijk will be the defensive pairing of Joe Gomez and Joel Matip.
If required, midfielder Fabinho could also be deployed as a centre-back, although that certainly wouldn’t be ideal.
Konate’s absence gives Jurgen Klopp another headache to contend with, and Liverpool’s January spending hasn’t helped alleviate the stress either.
The club have made just one signing all window in the form of Cody Gakpo, who despite being a talented player, doesn’t address any of Liverpool’s immediate requirements.
With Champions League qualification hanging in the balance, Konate’s return from injury will be pivotal for the Reds.