'I can die for this team' - Ibrahima Konate reveals he's playing with painkillers at Liverpool after 'rushing' comeback from injury

Konate did not feature for the Reds for more than a month after being sidelined with a knee injury during the club's 2-0 win over Real Madrid in the Champions League in November. He returned to action in the New Year and featured in Liverpool's starting lineup for the first time since regaining fitness in their Premier League clash against Manchester United.

While Konate has been included in the starting lineup by Arne Slot in all three of the club's Premier League games in January, the French defender has admitted that he "rushed" his comeback from injury and has been playing with painkillers. The 25-year-old has formed a formidable defensive partnership with Virgil van Dijk and has played a pivotal role in the Reds' rise to the top of the Premier League table.

Speaking to reporters, the France international said: "I tried to come back 100% but I'm not because I rushed my comeback with my knee. I've done this for my team. I can die for this team, it is fine. My knee will come back 100% soon, it's fine. I still have pain. I play with painkillers and that is enough for me to play.

"I was very close to coming back anyway. My plan was to train that week but when I saw Joe [Gomez] with his injury I was like: 'Okay, I have to come back quicker.' For sure, the first game I felt my knee a little bit, but it got better day after day. The physios and the medical staff have done a great job for me."

The Premier League leaders will be back in action on Tuesday as they host Lille in the Champions League at Anfield, with Konate in line to feature in Slot's starting XI once again.