Konate out of Iceland qualifier with quad injury, Pavard called up

Ibrahima Konate has been released from France duty and returned to Liverpool for treatment after sustaining a thigh injury during the club’s 2-1 Premier League defeat at Chelsea on October 4, the French national team and Liverpool said. The 26-year-old centreback, who did not play in France’s 3-0 win over Azerbaijan, will not travel for the away qualifier in Iceland and has been replaced in the squad by Benjamin Pavard, the national team posted.

France’s statement said in part, "Injured in the right quadriceps during his last match with Liverpool, Ibrahima Konate has followed a treatment and protocol since his arrival this Monday but will not be able to take his place against Iceland." Liverpool confirmed Konate will undergo assessment and continue his recovery at the club’s training base as managers weigh his availability for the Reds’ next match at Anfield against Manchester United on October 19.

Konate was substituted early in the second half at Stamford Bridge after appearing to limp. Liverpool manager Arne Slot said he took the defender off because of a quad concern, adding that when a player limps in a sprint "all alarm bells go off." Konate was subsequently allowed to...