Ibrahima Konate sat out Liverpool’s win over Newcastle last weekend (Picture: Getty Images)

France manager Didier Deschamps does not expect Ibrahima Konate to be fit to play for Liverpool against Aston Villa on Sunday, despite calling him up for international duty on Thursday.

The centre-back started the first two game of the Premier League season for the Reds but missed out on the win over Newcastle on Sunday due to a seemingly minor injury.

The muscle problem looks set to keep the 24-year-old out for the weekend, but Deschamps is under the impression that he will be fit for the international fixtures to come.

France host Republic of Ireland on 7 September and then play Germany in a friendly three days later.

Speaking on the announcement of the France squad on Thursday, Deschamps said of Konate: ‘He worked well. We?ll assess the situation on Monday, but he?s supposed to be available. Of course, I won?t take risks.
‘He was stopped for four days, he followed his program and he will train until Monday. It?s highly likely that he won?t be involved for Liverpool?s game on Sunday.’

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp said of Konate’s fitness: ‘He will be back after the international break. Not too serious, but serious enough.

‘Maybe a chance for [Aston] Villa, but I expect him to be back after the international break.’

With Konate unfit and Virgil van Dijk suspended due to a red card against Newcastle, it looks likely Liverpool ...