Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate has expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the support he received following the death of his father, Hamady. The 25-year-old French international was absent from the Reds' Champions League match against Marseille and will also miss Saturday's Premier League fixture against Bournemouth as he spends time with his family.
In a message posted on Friday evening, Konate wrote: 'Thank you all so much for your messages, calls, thoughts and presence today at the mosque. Even though I haven't had the strength or time to reply to everyone, this really touched me and did a lot of good. Thank you for your support and prayers. May Allah keep you safe. To Allah we belong and to Him we shall return.'
The defender had earlier announced his father's passing on Instagram, sharing details of the funeral prayer held on Friday. He quoted the Prophet Muhammad, saying: 'There is no deceased person over whom a group of Muslims numbering one hundred prays, all of them interceding for him, except that their intercession is accepted.'
Liverpool boss Arne Slot expressed his sadness over the news, stating: 'I spoke to him a few times, and I think these are private matters and they should stay between us. It is very obvious that if something like that happens, a player needs time to be there for his family and also time for himself.'
Joe Gomez filled in for Konate during his absence and is expected to retain his place alongside Virgil van Dijk against Bournemouth. The Reds are likely to field an unchanged back four from their midweek victory as they manage limited defensive options.
