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Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konate has thanked supporters after receiving an overwhelming response following the passing of his father, Hamady. The France international missed the Reds' 3-0 win over Marseille in the Champions League in midweek after being omitted from the squad due to family matters.

The Reds took a huge stride towards qualification for the Round of 16 thanks to goals from Dominik Szoboszlai, Cody Gakpo and an own-goal. Joe Gomez deputised in Konate's absence and is expected to continue at the heart of the Liverpool defence against Bournemouth on Saturday.

Arne Slot spoke of the 'sadness' regarding Konate's unavailability prior to the win over the French side, and the following day, Konate confirmed his father's death. On Friday, he shared a message expressing his appreciation for the overwhelming support.

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He 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.

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"To Allah we belong and to Him we shall return."

Konate shared the devastating announcement on Thursday via his Instagram story. He said: "Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we shall return.

"Janazah (Funeral Prayer) For our father Hamady Konaté will take place on Friday, 23 January, after Jumu'ah prayer at In Sha Allah (12:45 pm).

"The Messenger of Allah said: '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.'".

Joe Gomez stepped in during Konate's absence and looks set to keep his spot next to Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk. With limited defensive options, it's likely that Liverpool will stick with the same back four that secured their Champions League victory.

Slot stated: "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."