Konate starting to shine
LIVERPOOL’S Ibrahima Konate is in contention to start for France alongside Raphael Varane, despite starting only one Premier League match this season.
Konate picked up a knee injury in pre-season and was rested for the final Premier League game against Southampton.
The Reds defender could now partner Manchester United’s Varane after Paris St-Germain’s Presnel Kimpembe was ruled out with an Achilles tendon injury.
Monaco’s Axel Disasi has been called up but Konate’s former RB Leipzig partner Dayot Upamecano, now at Bayern Munich, is Didier Deschamps’ other option as a starting centre-back.
“I already know who will face Australia,” said the France coach.
Deschamps has denied that the late call-up of striker Marcus Thuram is because of injury concerns over Karim Benzema.
The Ballon d’Or winner has only played 27 minutes since October 19 – and missed their final four La Liga matches before the break – because of “muscle fatigue”.
Asked if the arrival of Thuram means that Benzema’s participation is in doubt, Deschamps said: “No. There is not a connection with Karim or another striker.”