Liverpool defender Andy Robertson has returned to training for Scotland but Ibrahima Konate remains absent for France
14:52, 08 Oct 2025Updated 15:01, 08 Oct 2025
Ibrahima Konate remains sidelined for France to leave Liverpool still sweating on the fitness of the centre-back. But Andy Robertson has handed Reds boss Arne Slot a boost by returning to training for Scotland on Wednesday.
Konate limped off shortly after half-time in Liverpool's dramatic 2-1 Premier League defeat at Chelsea on Saturday evening with Slot later fearing the player had suffered a quad problem.
The centre-back nevertheless joined up with the France squad on Monday ahead of their World Cup qualifiers against Azerbaijan on Friday and Iceland next Monday, where his injury was assessed.
And while France national team boss Didier Deschamps had remained tightlipped over Konate's condition, his France team-mate and Arsenal defender William Saliba has shed light on the Liverpool player's fitness.
"He hasn't been training because he has some minor injuries," said Saliba on Wednesday.
"I hope he'll be back soon but I don't know any more."
Konate has struggled for form this season but is one of only three senior recognised centre-backs Slot can call on at Liverpool with summer signing Giovanni Leoni ruled out for the campaign after suffering ACL damage on his debut against Southampton in the League Cup a fortnight ago.
Robertson finished the game at Stamford Bridge with an injury concern of his own after being caught heavily by Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo.
But the Scotland skipper was back training with his country on Wednesday ahead of Thursday's World Cup qualifier at home to Greece, with Steve Clarke's side then entertaining Belarus three days later.
Liverpool, who have lost their last three games, are next in action on Sunday week with the Premier League visit of bitter North West rivals Manchester United.
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