Why Ibrahima Konate is absent for Liverpool against Toulouse after narrow escape

Ibrahima Konate has been handed the evening off for Liverpool’s Europa League Group E clash against Toulouse at Anfield.

Konate narrowly escaped a dismissal in last weekend’s 2-0 win over Everton in the Merseyside derby. The centre-back was already on a booking when he tripped Toffees striker Beto - but did not receive a second caution.

Konate, who has had niggling injury issues since joining Liverpoool from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2021, has been handed a rest against Toulouse. Joe Gomez and Joel Matip start in central defence, with Virgil van Dijk and Jarell Quansah providing cover on the bench.