Ibrahima Konate has been named in France's squad for the upcoming World Cup in Qatar.
The 23-year-old faced a race to be fit in-time to make an impression on French manager Didier Deschamps, returning in the 3-2 defeat at Arsenal after missing the first few months of the season with a knee injury picked up against Strasbourg.
His presence alongside Virgil van Dijk looked to stabilise a nervy Reds defence, and starts against Rangers, Napoli and then Tottenham have offered vital minutes.
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Those performances have also done enough to earn the French international just his second call-up to the senior squad for the trip to Qatar later this month. France are the current world champions and look set to go far in the tournament as they attempt to defend their crown.
Konate made his senior debut just five months ago in the round of Nations League fixtures that followed the conclusion of last season, picking up two caps against Austria and Croatia. His chances of making the 26-man travelling party were handed a boost late last month when Raphael Varane was ruled out after picking up an injury playing for Manchester United.
Les Bleus are one of several nations missing key players for the winter tournament, with Paul Pogba, N'Golo Kante and goalkeeper Mike Maignan all injured.
Konate's France side are in Group D alongside Australia, Denmark and Tunisia.
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